United Capital Plc has confirmed that six of its employees lost their lives in the fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
In a statement issued today, the financial services company said the deceased colleagues were “an integral part of our company and family,” and that their painful loss “leaves an immeasurable void.”
The firm extended condolences to the victims’ families and disclosed that preparations were underway for a memorial service to honour their lives.
The blaze, which is believed to have started in the building’s inverter room, spread quickly through the multi-storey tower that houses the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital, a branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and other financial institutions.
Videos from the scene showed occupants of the building attempting to escape through windows as thick smoke engulfed upper floors.
The FIRS had earlier confirmed the deaths of four staff members who succumbed to smoke inhalation while working on the sixth and seventh floors of the building.
With United Capital’s confirmation of six casualties, the death toll from the Afriland Towers fire has now risen to at least ten.
UBA has also acknowledged losing some of its staff members in the incident but has not disclosed specific numbers.
