Polaris Bank has dismissed reports claiming that more than 34 people died in Thursday’s fire incident at its Broad Street branch on Lagos Island, describing the reports as false and misleading.
- +Polaris Bank debunks reports of 34 deaths in Lagos branch fire
In a statement issued by its management on Thursday, the bank clarified that the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third floor of the building’s car park and was swiftly contained.
In a statement issued by its management on Thursday, the bank clarified that the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third floor of the building’s car park and was swiftly contained.
According to the bank, emergency response procedures were immediately activated, while firefighters quickly brought the situation under control.
“A fire incident occurred today at the car park of our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, originating from a customer’s vehicle parked on the 3rd-floor car park.
“The fire was swiftly contained following the activation of our emergency response procedures and the prompt intervention of firefighters.
“We confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities. Reports claiming that over 34 persons were feared dead are false and misleading. Investigations into the incident are ongoing,” the statement read.
In a subsequent update, the bank again reassured customers and the public that no lives were lost.
“Following the fire incident at the Car Park of our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, we are pleased to confirm that the situation was swiftly contained and, thankfully, there were no casualties or fatalities.
“We appreciate the prompt response of emergency services.
“We urge the public to rely only on credible news platforms and our official channels for accurate information and disregard false reports circulating online,” the bank added.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire, which broke out at about 11:33 a.m. on the third floor of the 17-storey Polaris Bank building located at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the blaze involved a stationary saloon car parked on the third-floor parking facility.
She stated that firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations responded promptly after receiving the distress call.
“The only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. No casualties or injuries were reported,” Adeseye said.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, while investigations are ongoing.
