Polaris Bank denies claims that 34 people lost their lives in blaze at its Lagos outlet

Polaris Bank has vehemently denied reports suggesting that over 34 people lost their lives in the fire that broke out at its Broad Street branch on Lagos Island on Thursday, labeling such claims as entirely false and misleading.

n

The bank's management issued a statement on Thursday, explaining that the fire started from a customer's vehicle that was parked on the third floor of the building's car park and was quickly brought under control.

n

Emergency response procedures were swiftly activated by the bank, and firefighters promptly intervened to contain the situation, according to the bank's statement.

n

A statement released by the bank read, "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.

n

The statement further noted, "The fire was swiftly contained following the activation of our emergency response procedures and the prompt intervention of firefighters.

n

Polaris Bank confirmed that there were no casualties or fatalities, adding that reports claiming over 34 persons were feared dead are false and misleading, with investigations into the incident still ongoing.

n

In a subsequent update, the bank reassured customers and the public that no lives were lost in the fire incident at the Car Park of its Broad Street Branch, Lagos.

n

The bank expressed gratitude for the prompt response of emergency services and urged the public to rely on credible news platforms and official channels for accurate information, while disregarding false reports circulating online.

n

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.

n

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

n

Adeseye stated that firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations responded promptly after receiving the distress call, with the only damage recorded being to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings.

n

No casualties or injuries were reported, Adeseye said, while authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, with investigations still ongoing.