The number of confirmed fatalities from the fire that engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has climbed to 10.

United Capital Plc, which operates from the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, announced on Thursday that six of its staff members died in the incident.

This disclosure follows Wednesday’s confirmation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that it lost four employees to the tragedy.

According to Metro Punch, the fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the basement. Thick smoke quickly spread through the building, sparking panic as occupants rushed to safety. Some were seen attempting to jump through windows before emergency responders intervened.

Teams from the Federal Fire Service, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine people from the tower. Five were revived successfully, while four others were pulled out unconscious.

“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday.

In an exclusive statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed the deaths of six employees, noting that the loss brings the Afriland Towers casualty figure to 10.

*“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.

We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.

In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,”* the company said.

Emergency officials earlier confirmed that several occupants were pulled from the burning tower, which is believed to have caught fire following an inverter explosion. Although authorities have yet to publish an official casualty figure, both company statements and eyewitness accounts indicate that the death toll has continued to climb.

Efforts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for updated information were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.