High rise office fire claims at least 10 lives
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Lagos, Nigeria – September 18, 2025 A devastating fire tore through a high-rise office building in Lagos on Thursday, leaving at least ten people dead and dozens injured in one of the city’s deadliest urban disasters this year.
The blaze erupted in the early afternoon at the Mandilas Tower, a 14-storey commercial complex located in the bustling Lagos Island district. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick black smoke billowed from the upper floors, trapping workers and visitors inside.
“I saw people screaming from the windows, waving for help,” said Chinedu Okafor, a street vendor nearby. “Some tried to jump. It was terrifying.”
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Red Cross rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled the fire for hours, hampered by limited access to water and outdated equipment. Rescue teams used cranes and ladders to reach those stranded on higher floors.
According to Lagos State officials, the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault, though investigations are ongoing. The building, known for housing dozens of small businesses and offices, lacked modern fire suppression systems.
Among the victims were office workers, shop owners, and a visiting technician. Hospitals across the city reported treating over 40 people for burns, smoke inhalation, and trauma.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged a full inquiry. “This tragedy exposes the urgent need to enforce safety standards in our commercial buildings,” he said in a statement.
The incident has reignited public concern over fire safety in Nigeria’s commercial hubs, where aging infrastructure and lax enforcement often leave buildings vulnerable.
As Lagos mourns, survivors and families of the victims are demanding accountability and swift reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Further reading:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr704re0kmpo
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/least-10-dead-lagos-high-195049160.html
https://africanpeace.org/afriland-towers-fire-in-lagos-kills-10-raises-safety-c…