20 Things To Know About Afriland Towers Fire Incident
As the fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos continues to generate negative buzz on social media, with all sorts of misinformation making the rounds, Afriland Properties plc – the firm saddled with the responsibility of managing the affected building – has provided the media with details of what actually transpired and measures taken so far, and more.
Afriland Properties Plc puts things in proper perspective with verifiable information reproduced below…
How it Started
The fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Towers. Safety protocols were activated immediately. However, the thick black smoke and intense heat generated quickly filled the basement and spread rapidly throughout the building.
Why jump from windows to escape?
The smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, severely compromising visibility and restricting access to designated evacuation routes. Under these challenging conditions, some occupants resorted to exiting through the windows in their efforts to reach safety. The intensity of the incident created significant disorder and hindered effective communication.
Fire Alarms?
The building is equipped with fire alarms and safety systems. The alarms were triggered, and though some occupants indicated they heard them, some others said they didn’t. This is being investigated. However, alarms are installed on all floors.
Timely Response
The fire started around 1:20pm. The on-site fire champions activated the fire protocol while the first responders came in about 20 minutes later. We remain grateful for their efforts, and for the support of well-meaning Nigerians who helped bring the situation under control
Evacuation contingency plans in place
Afriland Towers has documented safety procedures, regular drills, and standard fire evacuation plans. However, the rapid spread of thick smoke made evacuation extremely difficult.
Emergency exits in Place
The building is designed with two dedicated emergency staircases providing access from all floors, as well as multiple exit points on the ground floor. However, the rapid spread of smoke severely limited the use of these escape routes.
Afriland Towers equipped with Needed safety Features
Afriland Towers is equipped with fire safety features, including smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, all in compliance with recommendations from both the Federal and State Fire Services. It is important to note that the fire was contained within its point of origin. We also engage safety regulators regularly to certify that our buildings meet all requirements for occupancy, and there are valid certifications to verify this.
Fire Drill a regular Exercise
Yes, fire drills are an integral part of the safety culture at Afriland Towers. We have regular fire drills overseen by the fire service and the building safety protocols are certified annually by both the federal and state fire service. In addition, each floor of the building has a designated fire warden, and these fire wardens are trained annually.
Why UBA Statement is Necessary
We believe that the initial statement was intended to prevent emergency services from being misdirected, as early reports mistakenly suggested that the UBA head office was on fire. We also acknowledge their subsequent clarifications and their expressions of sympathy.
10 Fatalities Recorded
Sadly, we recorded 10 fatalities, including members of United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and are working closely with the affected organizations to ensure that the bereaved are supported with compassion and practical assistance.
What led to the casualties
Based on available information, the primary cause of casualties was smoke inhalation.
Occupants To Stay off the Building
The building will undergo a full structural, safety, and regulatory review before anyone is asked to return. Staff welfare and confidence remain paramount, and alternative arrangements will continue until the building is certified completely safe.
Staff Welfare Is Taken Seriously
We are prioritising the well-being of all staff. This includes precautionary medical evaluations, structured assistance during this grieving period, and counselling support. In addition, management is reviewing long-term support mechanisms to ensure our people are cared for and valued.
Review Regards insurance cover on going
Yes. The responsible officers are currently reviewing the details, and we are also awaiting the official report, which will guide the next steps.
What Afriland Is Doing To Prevent Reoccurrence
We are undertaking a comprehensive safety review of Afriland Towers and all our managed facilities. This includes working with independent fire safety experts, regulatory agencies, and insurers to ensure elevated safety protocol even beyond regulatory requirements.
Building will remain closed
The building will remain closed until it undergoes thorough safety audits, deep post-fire cleaning, and any necessary reconstruction or system upgrades. Additional measures will also be implemented to restore the environment and ensure it is fully habitable. Re-occupation will only take place once the building has been certified safe by the relevant authorities.
Support For Affected employees of Afriland
We have put in place grief counselling, flexible work arrangements, and dedicated support channels for staff. This is a time of mourning and healing, and staff welfare remains our highest priority.
What Afriland Properties learned from this incident
There are invaluable lessons that will not only help prevent a reoccurrence but also provide guidance and support to other organisations in strengthening their disaster prevention measures.
Afriland working Closely with regulators
We are working closely with all regulatory agencies, and their findings will shape the next phase of corrective measures. We value and welcome their oversight.
How does this affect Afriland’s Operations and other Properties
Our other properties continue to operate safely. However, we are proactively reviewing all facilities under our management to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. This incident will strengthen our commitment to safety across our portfolio.
