Afriland Tower Fire Claims 10 Lives; Officials Cite Toxic Inverter Smoke as Main Cause
Tragedy struck Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, as smoke from a malfunctioning lithium battery inverter was confirmed as the primary cause of 10 deaths following a fire outbreak earlier this week.
Emergency responders reported that the fire began on Tuesday in the tower’s inverter room, and while flames were quickly contained, thick, toxic smoke spread rapidly throughout the building. Many occupants, including staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and United Capital, were overcome by the fumes before they could safely evacuate.
Rescue operations, aided by residents and passersby, helped save some victims, while others were rushed to hospitals. Unfortunately, over the 48 hours following the incident, ten individuals succumbed to complications caused by inhaling the hazardous smoke. Authorities confirmed that no one died at the scene; all fatalities occurred after medical intervention.
Chukwunonso Okafor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Afriland Properties, explained that the fire itself posed minimal risk compared to the rapid spread of smoke from the lithium batteries powering the building’s backup inverter system.
“The smoke displaced oxygen and contained carbon monoxide, leaving many trapped occupants struggling to breathe,” he said.
Medical experts emphasized the dangers of inhaling lithium battery fumes. Bankole Owolabi, a chemistry lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, noted that the smoke carries heavy metals like magnesium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel, which pose long-term health risks including cancer and organ damage. Dr. Odunaiya Sulaimon added that carbon monoxide in smoke binds strongly to red blood cells, depriving vital organs of oxygen and potentially causing necrosis or brain damage.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the 10 fatalities, while officials from United Capital reported the loss of six staff members. The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of building safety codes, particularly for older high-rise structures in Lagos’ commercial districts.
In response, the Federal Fire Service announced a nationwide audit of public and private buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. The initiative will include inspections, staff training, and enforcement of safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to the families of the victims and all affected institutions, describing the loss of life as deeply painful and calling for swift recovery for those injured.
