The Digest:
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that smoke inhalation, not direct fire, caused the fatalities in the Afriland Towers incident, with seven deaths officially recorded. The blaze, ignited by basement batteries, spread toxic carbon monoxide through the sealed high-rise, overwhelming occupants before rescue teams could fully evacuate them.
Key Points
- The fire originated from backup batteries in the basement, triggering intense smoke emission.
- Seven deaths were confirmed, all due to carbon monoxide poisoning, not burns.
- Emergency responders (LASEMA, Fire Service, LASAMBUS) arrived promptly but were challenged by the building’s sealed design.
- The smoke spread rapidly through ventilation shafts, complicating evacuation efforts.
- Officials urged owners of high-rise buildings to register for safety certifications and inspections.
- The state government emphasized its commitment to safety, referencing recent investments in firefighting infrastructure.
- Investigations remain ongoing to determine why the batteries ignited and if safety protocols were breached.
The tragedy underscores critical gaps in building safety enforcement and emergency preparedness, revealing how technical failures can swiftly turn urban infrastructure into traps.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune
