Breaking News: Four FIRS Directors, Managers Die in Afriland Towers Fire Outbreak on Lagos Island
Tragedy struck on Tuesday, September 16, as four senior officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) including directors and managers lost their lives in a fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The fire, which engulfed the sixth and seventh floors of the building housing the FIRS Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office, threw the entire FIRS community into mourning.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, FIRS described the deaths as heartbreaking, noting that its safety officials alerted the fire service, but thick smoke had already spread through the building before emergency responders arrived.
“The Management and staff of FIRS are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues. We honour their memory and remain in close touch with their families while providing all necessary support,” the agency stated.
FIRS also disclosed that it is reviewing and strengthening safety measures across all its offices nationwide to safeguard staff and prevent future tragedies.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, nine people were rescued, five of whom were resuscitated, while others escaped unhurt.