Four unidentified individuals are fighting for their lives following a fire that ravaged a six-storey building at Afriland Tower, which accommodates a branch of the United Bank for Africa and various other businesses on Broad Street in Lagos Island. Simultaneously, another plaza in the vicinity was also engulfed in flames, resulting in part of the structure collapsing.

The initial incident sparked widespread panic among occupants and pedestrians in this bustling commercial area. Multiple videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing individuals attempting to leap from the burning building, while some were rescued by courageous residents and bystanders using ladders.

Crowds gathered outside the building, anxiously watching as firefighters and volunteers worked to control the situation. The Deputy Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the emergency, noting that they received the distress call at 1:38 p.m. Fire crews from both Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations promptly responded.

“The fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement, with smoke spreading across multiple floors and engulfing the structure,” he stated. Evacuation of occupants was underway, and firefighting efforts successfully mitigated the widespread panic before first responders arrived.

An anonymous emergency responder, interviewed at the scene, shared their experience: “I managed to rescue two individuals from the top of the building, but when firefighters arrived, we were instructed to leave the area.”

In a later update, fire officials reported that 11 individuals were evacuated to ambulances, with nine casualties rescued and five receiving successful resuscitation. “Several others escaped without injury, and efforts are ongoing to resuscitate the remaining four individuals. Relevant emergency agencies are on-site to maintain crowd control and facilitate the work of emergency responders.”

In a separate incident, it was reported that part of Central Plaza on Broad Street collapsed after being consumed by fire around 7:40 p.m. The rapid spread of flames through the multi-storey shopping complex coincided with emergency responders’ attempts to contain the blaze.

Witnesses noted that the occupants were evacuated before the collapse, alleviating concerns about anyone being trapped under the debris. One eyewitness recounted, “When the fire broke out, the traders had already been evacuated. The building collapsed while emergency personnel were engaged in firefighting efforts. I don’t believe anyone was caught in the wreckage.”

When approached for comment regarding the second incident, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that rescue operations were still active but declined to provide further details until the situation was resolved.

As of now, the exact causes of these fire incidents have not been determined. It is worth noting that a previous report indicated a fire at the A1 Petroleum Filling Station on Isawo Road in Ikorodu, Lagos, which also caused significant concern among residents and commuters nearby. The blaze was believed to have originated from a diesel-laden truck parked at the site, leading to panic over potential explosions.

A woman known only as Modupe Alasin has passed away after being brutally assaulted by her husband in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State due to her being late to the farm.

A witness who requested to remain anonymous stated that the woman cried out and pleaded for mercy while her husband beat her repeatedly.

After a short while, the man commanded the woman to fetch water from the nearby stream, but she collapsed and died next to it due to exhaustion.

Upon being reached, the Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, SP Sunday Abutu, validated the occurrence, stating that the husband had been detained for additional inquiry

In a heartwarming incident in the Oshodi area of Lagos yesterday, a young woman gave birth on the street, leading to widespread celebration. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman was on her way from Ajah to an unknown location when she unexpectedly went into labor. Several nearby women quickly came to her aid.

One observer referred to the delivery as “a divine intervention,” highlighting how the prompt support from those around contributed to a safe delivery. Initial attempts to contact the woman’s husband were unsuccessful, prompting friends to step in and assist. He eventually arrived at the scene shortly after the baby was born.

Onlookers celebrated the event, with passersby offering cheers and congratulations to the new mother, while local market vendors regarded the childbirth as a symbol of divine blessing.