Polaris Bank and the Lagos State Government have dismissed viral reports claiming that more than 34 people died in a fire that broke out Thursday at the bank’s Broad Street branch in Lagos Island.
The bank, in a statement issued hours after the incident, said no lives were lost and described the social media claims as “false and entirely inaccurate.”
According to Polaris Bank, the fire originated from a customer’s vehicle parked on the third floor of the 17-storey building. Emergency response procedures were activated immediately, with firefighters and rescue personnel swiftly containing the blaze.
“We are pleased to confirm that there were no casualties or fatalities,” the bank said, adding that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) corroborated the bank’s account. Controller-General Margaret Adeseye said the agency received a distress call at approximately 11:33am, reporting a fire involving a stationary saloon car on the building’s third-floor car park.
Firefighters from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responded promptly and prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles or parts of the building.
“The only damage recorded was to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. No casualties or injuries were reported,” Adeseye said, confirming that firefighting operations had been concluded and normalcy fully restored.
The fire chief praised emergency teams for their swift and professional response, which she said helped minimise damage and safeguard public safety.
The incident had triggered widespread concern online after unverified reports of multiple deaths circulated on social media — claims now firmly refuted by both the bank and state authorities.
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