Polaris Bank and the Lagos State Government have dismissed reports claiming that more than 34 people died in Thursday’s fire outbreak at the bank’s Broad Street branch on Lagos Island, assuring the public that no lives were lost in the incident.
In separate statements issued after the fire, both the bank and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed that the blaze was successfully contained without any casualties.
Polaris Bank explained that the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third-floor parking area of its headquarters building. The institution stated that emergency protocols were immediately activated, allowing firefighters and other emergency responders to quickly bring the situation under control.
The bank emphasized that reports circulating on social media alleging that dozens of people were feared dead were completely false and misleading.
“We are pleased to confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities. Reports suggesting that over 34 persons died in the incident are entirely inaccurate,” the bank said.
The financial institution added that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and expressed appreciation to emergency personnel, staff, customers, and stakeholders for their support during the incident.
Providing further details, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the agency received a distress call at about 11:33 a.m. regarding a fire involving a stationary saloon car parked on the third floor of the 17-storey Polaris Bank building on Broad Street.
According to her, firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations responded swiftly and prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles and sections of the building.
Adeseye noted that the damage was limited to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings, stressing that no injuries or deaths were recorded.
She added that the firefighting operation had been successfully concluded and normal activities had resumed in the area.
The fire incident sparked widespread concern online after unverified reports suggested multiple fatalities. However, both Polaris Bank and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have firmly refuted the claims, maintaining that the incident resulted in no loss of life.
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