A massive fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, sending thick plumes of smoke across the skyline and causing widespread panic among occupants and nearby residents.
The blaze reportedly originated on a lower to middle floor and quickly spread across parts of the building. Emergency services responded promptly, with fire crews from Ebute Elefun, Dolphin, Sari-Iganmu, and Alausa stations battling the flames under challenging conditions due to the building’s height.
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities have been reported, although several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Evacuation efforts were swift, and surrounding structures, including a nearby mosque, were largely spared thanks to coordinated emergency measures.
By Thursday morning, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with other emergency teams, had contained the fire in key sections, preventing further spread. Firefighters remain on site to extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure the structural safety of the building.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the emergency responders for their swift action, urged calm among Lagos residents, and confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
This incident highlights the critical need for fire preparedness in Lagos’s high-rise buildings and underscores the importance of rapid and coordinated emergency response in densely populated urban areas. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.