A tragic fire outbreak in a high rise building in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has left at least 10 people dead and 25 others injured.
Shocking videos that surfaced on social media Tuesday captured the horrifying moment when occupants of the seven storey Afriland Towers leapt from the third and fourth floors as flames spread rapidly.
The victims, mostly commercial workers, were trapped inside the building, which houses several major companies and organisations in the city.
Many survivors sustained severe burns and fractures from desperate attempts to escape the scene, while others suffered breathing difficulties caused by heavy smoke inhalation.
Authorities explained that the rapid spread of smoke and lack of clear evacuation directions left many occupants disoriented. In panic, several people smashed windows and jumped, resulting in devastating injuries.
