Polaris Bank debunks reports of 34 deaths in Lagos branch fire

Kindly share this story:

Polaris Bank has dismissed reports claiming that more than 34 people died in Thursday’s fire incident at its Broad Street branch on Lagos Island, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement issued by its management on Thursday, the bank clarified that the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third floor of the building’s car park and was swiftly contained.

According to the bank, emergency response procedures were immediately activated, while firefighters quickly brought the situation under control.

“A fire incident occurred today at the car park of our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, originating from a customer’s vehicle parked on the 3rd-floor car park.

“The fire was swiftly contained following the activation of our emergency response procedures and the prompt intervention of firefighters.

“We confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities. Reports claiming that over 34 persons were feared dead are false and misleading. Investigations into the incident are ongoing,” the statement read.

In a subsequent update, the bank again reassured customers and the public that no lives were lost.

“Following the fire incident at the Car Park of our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, we are pleased to confirm that the situation was swiftly contained and, thankfully, there were no casualties or fatalities.

• Gombe hospital seeks family of unclaimed hit-and-run victim
• Disaster averted as fire guts 17-storey bank building
• Gombe youth killed in revenge attack after Salah stunt

“We appreciate the prompt response of emergency services.

“We urge the public to rely only on credible news platforms and our official channels for accurate information and disregard false reports circulating online,” the bank added.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire, which broke out at about 11:33 a.m. on the third floor of the 17-storey Polaris Bank building located at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the blaze involved a stationary saloon car parked on the third-floor parking facility.

She stated that firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations responded promptly after receiving the distress call.

“The only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. No casualties or injuries were reported,” Adeseye said.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, while investigations are ongoing.

Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others. Click here to start.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.

UNILAG confirms water contamination in female hostel

Online threats, insults fuel S'Africa's anti-foreigner hate — Analysts

Army repels ISWAP attack in Borno, launches counter-offensive

Bauchi electoral commission fixes August 17 for LG election

US says goodbye to Air Force One as Trump’s Qatari jet awaits takeoff

FULL FIXTURE: Eyes on August 21 as Premier League releases 2026/27 season schedule

‘Nigerian marketers import Dangote fuel via Lome hub’

Fraudsters rake in N134bn from banks, customers – CBN

Bandits’ attacks: Fed Govt raises N500bn emergency security fund

Insecurity: APC knocks opposition, rejects Tinubu resignation call

Flood crisis: NEC slashes prevention fund by 50%, approves N83bn

EFCC probes ‘prophet’ over alleged N70.39m fraud

Ekiti Decides: Police secure election materials across LGs, INEC ready

Fire guts building on Lagos Island