Tragedy struck on Tuesday in Lagos State as seven victims were confirmed dead following a fire outbreak at the Afriland Tower in the Marina area of Lagos Island.
The victims, who were initially evacuated from the high-rise building, reportedly died in different hospitals across the state, where doctors are still battling to save the lives of other survivors.
The incident was among two separate fire outbreaks that rocked the Lagos Island Business District on the same day. While the first blaze engulfed Afriland Tower, the second gutted Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, destroying goods worth millions of naira and leaving several others injured.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as trapped occupants of Afriland Tower attempted to leap from upper floors of the skyscraper, while others were rescued with makeshift ladders by residents and passersby before firefighters arrived at the scene.
Several victims sustained varying degrees of injuries during the desperate rescue efforts, heightening the scale of casualties reported.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the cause of both fires, but emergency responders confirmed that rescue operations and investigations are ongoing.
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