Panic gripped Lagos Island on Tuesday after a fire outbreak at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch sent staff scrambling for safety.
Videos circulating on social media showed frightened employees attempting to jump from the upper floors of the storey building to escape the raging inferno. The footage, which has since gone viral, captured the chaos as smoke billowed from the premises while onlookers raised alarm.
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear as at press time. However, eyewitnesses said the incident started suddenly, leaving workers little time to evacuate in an orderly manner.
Emergency responders were yet to issue a formal statement at the time of filing this report, but fire-fighting operations were reportedly underway to bring the situation under control.
Meanwhile, concerned Lagosians have expressed shock over the safety lapses that appeared evident in the viral video, questioning the availability of adequate fire exits and emergency protocols within the facility.
No official confirmation has been made regarding casualties or the extent of damage to the building.
