Chaos erupted on Tuesday at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) headquarters located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, when a sudden and intense fire broke out within the multi-storey building, triggering panic among staff, customers, and bystanders.
Videos circulating widely on social media show employees and customers frantically evacuating the premises. Some staff were seen climbing out of windows using ladders provided by the Lagos State Fire Service, while others took the risky step of leaping from higher floors to escape the spreading flames.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Authorities from the Lagos State Fire Service were quickly on the scene, deploying personnel and equipment to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings. Firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone trapped inside the building and to manage the crowd that had gathered outside in alarm. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with traffic in the area grinding to a halt as residents and motorists scrambled to get to safety or catch a glimpse of the unfolding incident.
According to early reports, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. While there have been no official confirmations regarding casualties, the fire caused visible damage to the building's exterior and interior. Staff and customers were urged to evacuate immediately, and emergency medical services were placed on standby in case of injuries.
Social media quickly became a hub of updates, with users alerting friends and relatives working in nearby offices to stay vigilant, avoid the area if possible, and follow instructions from emergency authorities. Some videos showed people assisting colleagues to safely descend from upper floors, while others documented the heroic efforts of fire service personnel controlling the blaze.
Damage Assessment and Public Advisory
The building reportedly suffered significant damage due to the intensity of the flames, though a full assessment is yet to be carried out. Residents and employees in surrounding areas were advised to remain calm, follow emergency evacuation routes, and cooperate with security and fire service officials. Some social media users praised the rapid response of the fire service while others expressed concern about the potential for loss of property and disruptions in banking services.
Many residents expressed relief that there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, while others prayed for the safety of the staff and the swift containment of the fire. Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to safety instructions, urging onlookers to maintain a safe distance and avoid obstructing emergency operations.
Community and Social Media Reactions
Reactions on social media have ranged from shock and concern to gratitude for the swift actions of emergency responders. Posts highlighted the importance of fire safety awareness and the need for businesses to ensure proper preventive measures are in place. Residents near Broad Street shared personal accounts of the chaos, reporting blocked roads, panicked evacuations, and the overwhelming presence of fire and smoke.
Some social media users warned others to check on friends and relatives in nearby offices and residential areas, emphasizing the unpredictability of the situation and the importance of following safety protocols. Meanwhile, videos capturing employees escaping and fire service operatives battling the blaze have gone viral, drawing national attention to the incident.
Watch the video capturing the incident below, showing the intensity of the fire and the quick actions of emergency responders…