Management at Polaris Bank has debunked viral social media reports claiming that its Broad Street branch on Lagos Island was completely gutted by fire. Speaking on behalf of the financial institution, bank spokesperson Rasheed Bolarinwa clarified that the incident was heavily exaggerated online, confirming that the fire only affected a single customer’s vehicle within the building’s car park.
The incident, which occurred around 11:33 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, originated on the third floor of the 17-story skyscraper, a section exclusively utilized as a parking facility. A stationary saloon car belonging to a visiting customer suddenly caught fire, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing from the side of the building. The dramatic sight caused brief panic, prompting occupants and nearby business operators to temporarily scamper to safety.
“Earlier today, a fire incident occurred at our Broad Street Branch, Lagos, originating from a customer’s vehicle parked on the 3rd-floor car park… Banking services at the branch were not affected in any way as customers continued to safely conduct their business.” — Polaris Bank Official Statement
Emergency protocols were quickly activated, and responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service—specifically teams from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations—swiftly arrived at the scene. Firefighters successfully contained and extinguished the blaze before it could spread to adjacent vehicles or penetrate other corporate sections of the high-rise structure.
Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the damage was strictly localized to the affected vehicle and its immediate surroundings. Most importantly, no injuries or casualties were recorded. Normal operations inside the tower resumed shortly after the area was declared entirely safe.
