A blaze ripped through the six-storey Afriland Towers in Lagos Island's bustling Broad Street on Tuesday afternoon, trapping occupants and sparking panic, as firefighters and volunteers battled the flames; hours later, another fire caused part of a nearby plaza to collapse, injuring four people.

The incident at Afriland Towers, home to a United Bank for Africa branch and several companies, began around 1:38 p.m. in the basement inverter room, with smoke quickly spreading across multiple floors. Videos circulating on social media captured thick plumes billowing from the building, crowds gathering in alarm, and desperate attempts by bystanders to rescue those trapped inside using ladders. One eyewitness described pulling two people from the upper levels before firefighters arrived.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed teams from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations, confirming evacuation efforts were underway amid the firefighting. Deputy Controller Ogabi Olajide reported that operations doused the initial panic, with 11 people evacuated to ambulances. Of those, nine were rescued, five resuscitated successfully, and four remained under treatment. Several others escaped unharmed, though the exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

By evening, a second outbreak struck the Central Plaza on the same street, starting around 7:40 p.m. and causing a section of the multi-storey shopping complex to cave in.

Traders frantically removed goods as responders worked to contain the spread. Fire Service spokesperson Shakiru Amodu noted that rescue operations were ongoing, with four individuals hospitalized but no fatalities confirmed at the time. Details on the plaza fire's origin are pending further assessment.