Lagos Island High-Rise Fire Injures Seven
By Wellington Jopelo
Not fewer than seven people sustained injuries after a fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island on Wednesday, with emergency officials confirming that the blaze has been brought under control.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the injured victims were men who suffered varying degrees of burns during the incident.
The fire also spread to a nearby mosque and parts of the Oluwole Plaza before emergency responders were able to contain it.
In a statement issued on Thursday, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, said three men and two women who suffered smoke inhalation were treated with first aid at the scene and later discharged after stabilisation.
He explained that coordinated efforts by emergency agencies helped prevent the fire from spreading further to adjoining buildings close to the high-rise structure.
According to him, the intensity of heat and smoke at the scene has reduced significantly due to sustained firefighting operations.
Oke-Osanyintolu also said a fire at the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building opposite the scene was safely extinguished, while dampening-down operations were ongoing.
He added that the affected section of the Oluwole Plaza has been brought under control, with most shops and goods salvaged.
The LASEMA boss said recovery operations are still ongoing and assured that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.