7 Injured as Lagos Island high-rise fire now contained.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that seven men sustained varying degrees of burns following a fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House in Lagos.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr Oke-Osanyitolu, explained that the fire, which broke out on Wednesday, was successfully contained through the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency response teams. He noted that the swift intervention of responders helped prevent the inferno from causing more extensive damage.

According to him, the fire had initially spread to a nearby mosque and parts of the Oluwole Plaza, raising concerns about the safety of surrounding structures. However, emergency officials were able to bring the situation under control, ensuring that most adjoining buildings close to the high-rise structure were largely salvaged.

Dr Oke-Osanyitolu stated that the intensity of the heat and heavy smoke at the scene had significantly reduced as a result of sustained firefighting and rescue operations. He added that responders continued to carry out dampening-down exercises to prevent any possible re-ignition of the fire.

He further disclosed that the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building located directly opposite the incident site was successfully protected and any fire threats there were fully extinguished. Similarly, the affected section of the Oluwole Plaza was brought under control, with most goods and stalls in the commercial complex saved from destruction.

The LASEMA boss explained that recovery and safety assessment operations were still ongoing at the scene, as officials work to ensure that the affected structures are stable and pose no further risk to the public. He assured residents and business owners in the area that emergency agencies remain on ground and will continue monitoring the situation.

He concluded by reassuring the public that further updates would be communicated as operations progress, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials as they complete their work.