Fire at Polaris Bank Tower Contained, No Casualties Recorded on Lagos Island

A potentially devastating fire outbreak at the Polaris Bank Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, was swiftly contained on Thursday by personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), preventing what could have become a major emergency in the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The incident occurred at the 17-storey Polaris Bank Building located at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, when a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the building’s parking facility suddenly caught fire.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the emergency was reported at approximately 11:33 a.m., prompting an immediate response from firefighters attached to the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations.

In a statement signed by the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control before it could spread to other vehicles or critical sections of the high-rise building.

“The fire involved a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the building, which serves as a parking facility. Firefighters swiftly contained the incident, ensuring that nearby vehicles and other parts of the structure were protected from damage,” Adeseye stated.

The fire service confirmed that the only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. No injuries, fatalities, or casualties were reported during the operation.

The incident also prompted a statement from Polaris Bank management, which reassured customers, employees, and stakeholders that all emergency protocols were activated immediately after the outbreak.

The bank noted that firefighters and other emergency personnel worked effectively to contain the situation and restore safety within the premises.

Management further debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that more than 34 people had died in the incident, describing the claims as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.

“We are pleased to confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities. Reports claiming that over 34 persons were feared dead are false and entirely inaccurate,” the bank said.

The institution disclosed that investigations and assessments are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle fire and evaluate any residual impact on the facility.

Industry observers have commended the rapid intervention by emergency responders, noting that the incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in high-rise commercial buildings, particularly within Lagos Island’s densely populated financial district.

The successful containment of the fire prevented disruptions to business activities in the area and underscored the effectiveness of Lagos State’s emergency response infrastructure.

Following the conclusion of firefighting operations, normalcy was fully restored around the Broad Street business corridor, with workers and residents resuming their daily activities.

Authorities have assured the public that further details will be communicated as investigations progress.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state while encouraging building managers and vehicle owners to adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

Lagos firefighters successfully extinguished a vehicle fire at Polaris Bank Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island. Authorities confirmed no casualties, while the bank dismissed social media reports of fatalities.