Calabar gas blast leaves 31 people hurt

A gas explosion at Fomex Filling Station along Edibe Edibe Road, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, left 31 people with injuries, mostly burns, on Saturday, with the blast occurring at approximately 9:40 a.m.

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The explosion destroyed properties valued at millions of naira and razed parts of the facility, including fuel and gas storage tanks, while also consuming several vehicles parked on the premises.

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The blast, which was initially mistaken for a bomb by some eyewitnesses due to its intensity, shook nearby buildings and damaged adjacent shops in the densely populated neighbourhood, prompting residents and business owners to flee the area.

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According to ASP Eitokpah Sunday, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, the explosion occurred when a gas attendant attempted to transfer gas from a storage tank to a service tank, but the hose detached, causing gas fumes to leak rapidly into the surrounding area.

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Efforts to secure the storage tap failed, and the attendant was forced to evacuate immediately, as the leaking gas engulfed the area in flames, resulting in significant property damage, with no fatalities reported as of press time.

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The 31 injured victims, who suffered serious burns, are currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, according to ASP Eitokpah Sunday.

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Residents expressed frustration over the delayed arrival of federal and state fire services, which took over an hour to respond, although the University of Calabar Fire Service was quickly mobilised to intervene in the incident.

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As the security vacuum persisted, hoodlums took advantage of the situation and looted affected shops, while thousands of residents attempted to contain the fire using makeshift methods, including sand and water.

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The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Agegbua, visited the scene to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage and situation, and police officers were deployed to coordinate with fire services, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the University of Calabar (UNICAL).