At least ten people have now been confirmed dead following the Afriland Towers fire outbreak in Lagos Island.

The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 PM on Tuesday, quickly spread, filling the building with thick smoke.

Six of the victims were staff members of United Capital, a financial and investment firm located on the 3rd and 4th floors. The company confirmed their deaths on Thursday morning.

Just hours earlier, the Federal Inland Revenue Service had also announced the loss of four staff members in the same incident.

Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes— some occupants were seen escaping through windows, while emergency responders worked tirelessly to douse the flames and rescue victims.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, nine people were rescued, five of whom were revived on-site, while four remained unconscious as efforts continued.

This tragedy has raised serious concerns about inverter-related safety. Experts say inverters are generally safe, but when poorly installed or maintained, they can become deadly.

Here are seven key safety tips that could save lives:

• Ventilation is crucial– Keep your inverter in a well-aerated space.
• Keep flammable items away– No petrol, curtains, or papers near inverter rooms.
• Always use certified technicians for installation – no shortcuts.
• Don’t overload your inverter– stick to its rated capacity.
• Inspect your batteries regularly– watch for leaks, corrosion, or swelling.
• Use safety devices– circuit breakers, surge protectors, and have a CO₂ fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do routine maintenance– fix dust, loose connections, or faulty terminals fast.
• Don’t experiment with electricity. Avoid DIY inverter installations. It’s not worth your life.

This fire may be out, but its lessons burn on. As investigations continue, let this tragedy be a wake-up call for all— from corporate offices to homes— safety must come first.