Update: Calabar Gas Explosion Injures Over 38, Destroys Properties As Gov. Otu Promises Medical Support

CALABAR– More than 38 residents sustained varying degrees of injuries following a gas explosion that rocked parts of Calabar on Saturday morning.

The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., razed a facility identified as Fonex Gas Station along Edibe Edibe Road in Calabar South.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion triggered a massive fire that engulfed fuel storage tanks and nearby vehicles, leaving several victims with severe burns and injuries.

Residents within the vicinity described the blast as deafening, noting that the resulting inferno spread rapidly before emergency responders could contain the situation.

A local trader, who witnessed the incident, said, “We heard a loud explosion and saw flames rising high into the sky. People were running in different directions.”

Emergency responders and sympathisers rushed injured victims to nearby hospitals, while others received first aid treatment at the scene before evacuation.

Officials from the Cross River State Ministry of Information, who confirmed the development mid-day Saturday, said the situation had been brought under control.

The ministry noted that coordinated efforts by fire service personnel and security agencies helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.

Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu visited the scene hours after the incident, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Ironbar.

The governor expressed deep sympathy with victims and families affected by the explosion, describing the incident as unfortunate and preventable.

• ADC Criticises Tinubu’s £746m UK Deal as Debt Trap
• Delta Governor’s Aide Slumps, Dies, As Oborevwori Mourns Passage
• COAS Tasks Nigerian Army On Steadfastness, Hosts Eid Luncheon For Troops In Edo
• FG To Abolish JSS Entrance Exam, Adopts Continuous Assessment
• “Take It Down or Face Legal Action” — Peter Okoye Fires Back at Troll

Addressing victims and emergency responders at the scene, Otu assured that the state government would shoulder the medical expenses of those injured.

“We will take full responsibility for the treatment of all victims affected by this incident,” the governor stated during the inspection.

He further directed relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive inventory of both public and private properties destroyed in the explosion.

According to him, the assessment would guide immediate intervention measures and possible compensation for those who suffered material losses.

Government sources present at the visit disclosed that preliminary findings pointed to safety lapses as a possible cause of the explosion.

However, officials stressed that a full investigation would be conducted to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Otu also vowed to introduce stricter safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms to curb recurring fire outbreaks across the state.

“Incessant fire incidents will no longer be tolerated. We will put modalities in place to prevent future occurrences,” the governor assured.

Residents of the affected area have called on authorities to enforce compliance with safety standards among operators of gas and fuel facilities.

One community leader said many filling and gas stations operate within residential zones without adequate safety measures or regulatory oversight.

.
Health officials at receiving hospitals confirmed that several victims were in stable condition, while others remained under intensive care due to severe burns.

Security agencies have since cordoned off the affected facility to prevent further hazards and allow investigators access to the site.

The explosion has reignited concerns over urban safety, particularly the siting and regulation of gas plants in densely populated neighborhoods.

Experts warn that without strict enforcement of safety protocols, such incidents may continue to pose significant risks to lives and property.

As investigations continue, residents await concrete government actions to address regulatory lapses and ensure accountability within the petroleum retail sector.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and report any suspicious safety breaches to relevant agencies promptly.