When a portion of a multi-story structure holding Polaris Bank Tower at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, was destroyed by fire on Thursday, panic broke out.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the building in eyewitness videos that went viral on social media, prompting residents and business owners to flee to safety.

According to reports, the event happened about 11:45 a.m., prompting the local emergency services to act quickly.

To confine the fire and stop it from spreading to neighboring buildings, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service personnel were sent to the scene along with other emergency responders.

At the time of reporting, the fire's origin was unknown.

But subsequently, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service verified that the fire had been put out.

The building's third level, which doubles as a parking area, is where the fire started, according to Margaret Adeseye, the director of the agency.

She stated a stopped saloon automobile parked on the third floor of the 17-story building was involved in the incident, which was reported at around 11:33 a.m.

“Firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations promptly responded to the emergency and swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles and sections of the building,” she said.

Adeseye continued, "No casualties or injuries were reported; only the impacted vehicle and its immediate surroundings were damaged."

The firefighting operation was over by 3 p.m., and the area had returned to normal.

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