The management of Polaris Bank has broken its silence over the recent Lagos fire incident, debunking social media reports claiming that over 34 persons died following the fire outbreak.
Recall that the incident incident happened at its Broad Street Branch in Lagos. Reacting, Polaris Bank described the reports as false and misleading.
Speaking in an official statement, the bank also assured customers and the general public that no lives were lost in the incident. It further explained that the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked in the building’s third-floor car park.
According to the bank, emergency response procedures were immediately activated, while firefighters and other emergency responders swiftly moved in to contain the blaze.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
Additionally, it noted that investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing and commended emergency responders, staff, customers and stakeholders for their support.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed that firefighters put out the blaze without any fatalities.
According to LSFRS Controller-General Mrs Margaret Adeseye, the agency received a distress call at about 11:33 a.m. about a fire involving a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the 17-storey Polaris Bank building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
BACKSTORY…
Previous reports revealed a fire outbreak that occurred on Thursday at a multi-storey building housing a Polaris Bank branch on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
Videos and clips making rounds on social media captured thick smoke billowing from the building as residents and business operators gathered around the scene.
On the frontlines of the crisis, emergency responders and firefighters battled the advancing flames to contain the blaze and protect neighbouring buildings from destruction.
However, while the containment operation and rescue effort continues, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown as of report.
Unconfirmed reports circulating across social media platforms claim that at least 37 people lost their lives in the tragedy.
