NEMA sends team to Calabar after gas explosion

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The National Emergency Management Agency has deployed a response team to Calabar, Cross River State, following a gas explosion that left dozens injured in the Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area.

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According to a statement from NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office on Monday, the incident occurred on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

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The statement said, “The National Emergency Management Agency Uyo Operations Office has deployed a response team to Calabar, Cross River State, following a gas explosion that occurred at Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area on Sunday, 22nd March 2026.”

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Preliminary findings showed that the explosion originated from a gas station and quickly spread to nearby buildings, triggering panic among residents.

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The statement also said, “Preliminary reports indicate that the incident, which occurred around midday, originated from a gas station and rapidly spread to nearby residential and commercial structures, causing widespread panic and significant fire risk within the locality.”

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NEMA disclosed that a total of 43 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries from the explosion, with victims currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.

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“A total of 43 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the explosion. Of this number, 25 victims are currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while 18 others are being treated at the General Hospital, having been evacuated by emergency ambulance services,” the statement said.

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The agency added that its response team is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to manage the situation and provide necessary support to victims.

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“The NEMA response team is working with other stakeholders that include the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, and the Cross River State Fire Service, whose prompt intervention helped to bring the situation under control,” the statement ended.

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