Polaris Bank and the Lagos State Government have reacted to the reported death of more than 34 persons in Thursday’s fire incident at the bank’s Broad Street Branch in Lagos.
The bank reacted to the claim in a statement hours after the report of the fire, which was reported to have occurred at its head office.
It assured customers and the public that no lives were lost in the incident, which, it said, originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third-floor car park of the building.
According to the bank, emergency response procedures were immediately activated, while firefighters and other emergency responders swiftly moved in to contain the blaze.
Polaris Bank said: “We are pleased to confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities.
“Consequently, reports circulating on social media claiming that over 34 persons were feared dead are false and entirely inaccurate.”
It added that investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing and commended emergency responders, staff, customers and stakeholders for their support.
The clarification by the bank came as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) provided details of the incident, confirming that the fire had been successfully extinguished without any loss of life.
The Controller-General of the LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, said the agency received a distress call at about 11:33am regarding a fire involving a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the 17-storey Polaris Bank building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
Adeseye said firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations responded promptly and contained the fire before it could spread to other vehicles or sections of the building.
She said: “The only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings.
“No casualties or injuries were reported.”
She added that the firefighting operation had been successfully concluded and normalcy fully restored to the area.
The fire chief commended the emergency teams for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their efforts helped minimise damage and guarantee public safety.
The incident had sparked concern online after unverified reports claimed multiple casualties, claims now refuted by both Polaris Bank and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
