22-storey building gutted by fire in Lagos

A major fire outbreak has been reported at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street in the heart of Lagos Island, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the high-rise building engulfed in flames. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started from an apartment on the fourth […]

A major fire outbreak has been reported at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street in the heart of Lagos Island, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the high-rise building engulfed in flames.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started from an apartment on the fourth floor before spreading rapidly to other parts of the building.

As of the latest update, the blaze had escalated to the sixth floor, raising concerns about further spread.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, said firefighting and rescue operations were ongoing, making it difficult to determine the number of casualties at this time.

He said agencies at the scene include the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Red Cross and Lagos Response Unit (LRU) Paramedics.

“A total of six fire trucks and a skylift have been deployed to contain the fire and support rescue efforts, while the LRU Fire Unit has also been activated,” he added.

Authorities said recovery operations were ongoing and assured the public that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.