Panic In Calabar As Gas Station Explodes, Razes Property

A private petrol and gas filling station has exploded on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving several residents injured and destroying property.

The explosion, which occurred on Saturday morning, completely razed the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station.

The resulting fire engulfed major sections of the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks, while several vehicles parked within the premises were destroyed.

Located in a densely populated neighbourhood in Calabar, the blast also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.

Several victims sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident.

While some were treated at nearby patent medicine stores, others were rushed to hospitals for further medical attention.

The incident also triggered emotional scenes, as parents were seen crying and frantically searching for their children in the aftermath of the explosion.

Naija News understands that as of the time of filing this report, emergency responders had yet to arrive at the scene, creating a vacuum that reportedly allowed hoodlums to loot goods from affected shops and parts of the damaged facility.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the scene, with some attempting to contain the fire using sand, water and other improvised means.

Eyewitnesses gave varying accounts of what might have triggered the explosion.

Some residents alleged that the blast may have been caused by a customer making a phone call near the gas dispensing area.

However, a mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, attributed the incident to a possible technical fault.

“I suspect it could be an electrical issue or maybe some of the equipment in the station had expired,” Daily Trust quoted Sam as saying.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said officers had been deployed to the scene.

He added that efforts were ongoing to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation.

Further details are expected as emergency responders take control of the area.