Lagos Island was hit by a double fire disaster on Tuesday, with a major blaze engulfing Central Plaza on Broad Street just hours after a fire at the nearby Afriland Tower. The back-to-back infernos have caused widespread panic and significant property damage in the bustling commercial hub.
Central Plaza Fire
The fire at Central Plaza, a popular shopping complex, reportedly broke out around 7:40 p.m., spreading rapidly through the multi-story building. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as traders and shoppers scrambled to salvage goods amid thick smoke and falling debris. The inferno was so intense that a part of the building reportedly collapsed while emergency responders were still working to contain the blaze.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed that property worth millions of naira was destroyed, though the total value of losses and the number of casualties remain unclear. The agency stated that access to the building was hampered by the partial collapse, making rescue and firefighting operations difficult. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and a full investigation is underway.
Afriland Tower Inferno
Earlier on the same day, a fire had broken out at Afriland Tower, located on the same Broad Street. Afriland Properties Plc, the owners of the building, confirmed the incident, stating that the fire originated from the inverter room in the building’s basement. Smoke quickly spread across multiple floors, prompting a swift evacuation.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency teams were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. According to reports, nine people were rescued and five others were resuscitated at the scene. The incident caused a scare, particularly due to initial misinformation that the nearby UBA headquarters had been affected. UBA later clarified that only one of its branches, located within the Afriland Tower building, was impacted.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The twin disasters have stretched the resources of Lagos’ emergency services. Firefighters worked late into the night to extinguish both blazes, while other agencies provided support for crowd control and rescue efforts. The back-to-back incidents in such close proximity have raised concerns among business owners and residents about fire safety standards in the high-density commercial district.
Authorities have yet to confirm if there is any link between the two fires, but investigations are ongoing to determine their causes and to ensure that safety protocols are re-evaluated to prevent future occurrences.
