Calabar, Nigeria – Several residents have been injured following a gas station explosion in Calabar, triggering panic and chaos in parts of the city. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area, where a loud blast sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and forced residents and passersby to flee for safety.
Okay News reports that the explosion happened at a filling station, leaving multiple victims with varying degrees of injuries while also causing damage to nearby buildings and property. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as fire engulfed sections of the station shortly after the blast, with thick smoke rising into the air. Some residents reportedly rushed to rescue victims before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Emergency responders and security personnel were subsequently deployed to contain the fire and provide assistance to those affected. Efforts were focused on preventing the spread of the flames and ensuring that casualties received immediate medical attention. The full extent of the damage and the number of those injured are yet to be officially confirmed.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the explosion, as concerns grow over safety standards at gas and fuel stations across the country. The incident adds to a series of similar explosions recorded in recent times, raising questions about regulatory enforcement and public safety measures.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, is expected to visit the scene to assess the level of destruction and coordinate further response efforts. Residents in the area have called for stricter safety checks and accountability to prevent future occurrences of such dangerous incidents.
