Femi Ashekun/
A major fire outbreak on Wednesday engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance House, a 25-storey commercial building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, triggering an hours-long emergency response and widespread concern on social media.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it received a distress call at about 4.41pm and deployed firefighting crews to the scene, who arrived roughly 12 minutes later at 4.53pm.
According to the agency, the blaze affected several sections of the high-rise building, spreading up to the fifth floor.
In an initial situation report shared on its official social media handle, the fire service said no casualties had been recorded as of the time of its update, adding that firefighting operations were ongoing.
However, as the night progressed, videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on X and other social media platforms showed the fire still raging well into the night.
Footage timestamped around 11.30pm on Wednesday captured thick plumes of smoke and visible flames continuing to billow from the structure, with some users expressing fears about the stability of the building as parts appeared to be severely weakened.
Several credible sources reported that responders were struggling to fully contain the inferno hours after it began, amid concerns about access, water supply and the height of the building.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities were also reported to be on ground to manage the situation and secure the surrounding area.
As of late Wednesday night, the cause of the fire had not been officially disclosed, while damage to property was yet to be assessed.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as operations continued.
The Great Nigeria Insurance House is a prominent commercial building on Lagos Island, an area known for its dense business activity and high-rise structures.
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