Terrifying Moment Employees Jump from Burning Building in Nigeria
On September 16, 2025, chaos erupted on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Nigeria, when a fire engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building housing a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, and other businesses. In a desperate bid to escape the raging blaze, employees were forced to jump from windows, creating scenes of panic and bravery that were captured in viral videos circulating online. This blog recounts the harrowing incident, its causes, and the response from emergency services.
The Fire Outbreak
The fire broke out in the basement of Afriland Towers, reportedly starting in an inverter room due to an electrical fault. Thick black smoke and flames quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping occupants inside. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as screams echoed across the busy commercial hub of Broad Street. Videos shared on social media showed employees climbing out of windows, some jumping from the high-rise building, while others were assisted by bystanders using makeshift ladders.
According to the Federal Fire Service team leader from Ebute Metta, Mr. Ehimen Momoh, the fire originated from an inverter battery in the basement, spreading to a parked Toyota Sienna and a motorcycle, both of which were completely destroyed. The rapid spread of smoke created a life-threatening situation, forcing occupants to take drastic measures to escape.
Heroic Escapes and Rescue Efforts
The footage of employees jumping from windows was nothing short of heart-stopping. Some workers leapt from upper floors onto nearby surfaces, while others were rescued with the aid of ladders provided by quick-thinking residents and passersby. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with other emergency responders, arrived swiftly, rescuing nine individuals from the burning building. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, preventing further loss of life.
Despite the intensity of the fire, authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred in the initial reports, though later updates suggested a tragic outcome, with Nigeria Info FM reporting a death toll of 10 workers. The discrepancy in reports highlights the confusion and severity of the situation as it unfolded.
Community and Emergency Response
The response from the community and emergency services was commendable. Bystanders played a critical role in assisting trapped workers before professional responders arrived, using ladders and other means to aid evacuations. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, led by Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide, worked efficiently to evacuate occupants and extinguish the fire. The Federal Fire Service also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report emergencies promptly by dialing the toll-free line 112 or 0803 200 3557.
A Wake-Up Call for Safety
This incident underscores the recurring issue of fire safety in Nigeria’s commercial buildings. Just one day later, on September 17, another fire broke out at Emab Plaza, a four-storey commercial building on Lagos Island, highlighting the need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement. The tragedy at Afriland Towers also draws attention to broader concerns about building safety in Lagos, where over 55% of Nigeria’s building collapse cases have occurred since 1974, often exacerbated by poor compliance and weak enforcement.
Moving Forward
The terrifying moment when employees jumped from Afriland Towers to escape the fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, including functional fire alarms, accessible exits, and regular maintenance of electrical systems. Businesses and regulators must prioritize safety audits to prevent such incidents in the future.
The bravery of the workers who risked their lives to escape, coupled with the swift actions of bystanders and firefighters, prevented an even greater tragedy. As investigations continue into the exact cause of the fire, the focus must shift to ensuring that such a terrifying ordeal is not repeated.
Sources: Information compiled from reports by Yahoo News, Daily Post Nigeria, The Point NG, The Eagle Online, Guardian Nigeria, PRNigeria, Channels Television, Vanguard News, TV360 Nigeria, Nigeria Info FM, and Newsmakers.
