31 Injured in Devastating Gas Explosion at Calabar Filling Station

 

A powerful explosion ripped through a private petrol and gas filling station in Calabar South Local Government Area on Saturday morning, injuring at least 31 people and causing extensive property damage.

The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at the Fonex Gas Station on Edibe Edibe Street, triggering panic among residents in the densely populated neighborhood. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud thunderous sound followed by flames engulfing the facility, destroying fuel tanks, vehicles, and nearby structures.

According to reports from the Cross River State Police Command and eyewitness accounts, the blast resulted in varying degrees of injuries, primarily burns, among victims—including residents and possibly workers at the station. Initial figures indicate 31 individuals were affected, with some receiving immediate first aid at local patent medicine stores while others were rushed to hospitals, including the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, for urgent treatment. No fatalities have been confirmed in connection with this specific event.

The explosion is believed to have happened during gas handling or transfer operations at the station, though official investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. Emergency responders, including local authorities and community members, attempted to contain the fire using available resources such as sand and water.

This incident has renewed concerns over safety standards at fuel and gas facilities located in residential areas, with calls for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent future tragedies.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around such sites. Further updates are expected as investigations continue and victims receive medical care.