A yet-to-be-identified man was burnt to death and eight others were injured after fire gutted Providus Bank headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The inferno, which was caused by a generator explosion, was said to have occurred around 10 am.
It was gathered the fuel tank of the diesel generator exploded and caused Automated Gas Oil (AGO) to spill from the generator house to other parts of the property located at Plot 1114, Adeola Odeku Street, by Eletu Ogabi Close, Victoria Island.
Seven of the eight injured persons sustained fire burns while the eighth, a Policeman attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was injured by broken glasses while escaping from his patrol vehicle that caught fire.
According to Lagos Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, all seven burns victims were on admission at the hospital and under observation, while the policeman who sustained a minor injury had received first aid treatment.
He said the deceased person was burnt beyond recognition, adding that the police patrol vehicle was also badly affected.
RRS had through their social media platforms insinuated that more people died in the inferno.
The agency wrote: “RRS vehicle on patrol of Adeola Odeku was involved in a fire incident this morning.
“Although lives were lost in the incident, our officers escaped with injuries.
“While we pray for the repose of the souls of those whose lives were lost in the incident, we appreciate those who have been calling and sending messages to our Commander, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi.”
Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Fire Service Director, Margret Adeseye said only fatality was recorded.
She said Oba Oniru Fire Station responded to the incident and doused the fire which emanated from an industrial generator that was being repaired before it exploded.
“The generator, housed within the premises of a commercial bank also affected an adjoining Toyota Saloon Car belonging to the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police stationed outside the premises.
“Unfortunately, a male adult was recovered severely burnt beyond recognition and handed over to the Police from Bar-Beach Division while the four-story commercial building was saved and the RRS Policemen escaped unhurt.
“Further report will be given as the investigation into the cause of the incident is completed,” Adeseye said.
The Nation
