Seven people have been hospitalised after sustaining burn injuries in a massive fire that erupted at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve.
The blaze, which began around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, reportedly started on the fourth floor of the building, which is primarily used as a warehouse, before spreading to other floors and affecting nearby structures, including the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building, Oluwole Plaza, a mosque, and other adjoining buildings.
Nosa Okunbor, spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the injuries in an update on Christmas Day.
“Seven adult males sustained varying degrees of burn injuries and were immediately attended to by our paramedics before being taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention,” he said.
Okunbor added that five other people suffered smoke inhalation and received treatment on site.
“The adjoining buildings in proximity to the high-rise have largely been salvaged, and coordinated efforts continue to ensure the inferno is completely extinguished,” he explained.
The LASEMA spokesperson further stated, “The seven-storey Radio Nigeria building opposite the Great Nigeria Insurance House has been safely extinguished by emergency responders, and dampening-down operations are ongoing to prevent the fire from reigniting.”
Residents and traders in the area were urged to evacuate as the fire spread. Emergency teams worked through the night to contain the blaze and protect neighboring structures.
“The safety of lives and property remains our top priority, and emergency personnel will continue to monitor the site closely,” Okunbor said.
