The management of Polaris Bank Limited has confirmed a fire incident earlier on Thursday (today) at one of the Bank’s branches on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
According to a statement released by the Bank, the fire, which broke out at about 11:33 a.m. on the third floor of the 17-storey building used as a parking facility, involved a stationary saloon car.
The Bank explained further that upon activation of its emergency fire procedure with support from firefighters and other emergency responders, the inferno was promptly contained.
“Earlier today, a fire incident occurred at our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, originating from a customer’s vehicle parked on the 3rd-floor car park.
Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and with the swift intervention of firefighters and other emergency responders, the fire was successfully contained,” the statement reads in part.
The Bank however debunked viral unverified claims circulating on social media that over 34 lives was lost to the incident insisting there was no casualties or fatalities.
“We are pleased to confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities.
Consequently, reports circulating on social media claiming that over 34 persons were feared dead are false and entirely inaccurate.
Assessments and investigations into the incident are ongoing. We appreciate the prompt response of the emergency services and the support of our staff, customers, and stakeholders.
We thank God that everyone is safe,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) also confirmed the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Controller General of the Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that the situation was brought under control swiftly and without casualties.
“The incident was reported at approximately 11:33 hours and involved a stationary saloon car parked on the 3rd floor of the 17-storey building, which serves as a parking facility,” the statement said.
It added that firefighters acted promptly to prevent escalation.
“Firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations promptly responded to the emergency and swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles and sections of the building,” it stated.
According to the agency, only the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings were damaged in the incident.
“No casualties or injuries were reported,” the service confirmed.
The fire was fully extinguished, and normal activities have since resumed in the area.