Panic In Calabar As Gas Station Explosion Destroys Properties

A devastating explosion has rocked a privately owned petrol and gas filling station on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving several residents injured and causing extensive destruction of property.

According to credible reports, the incident occurred on Saturday morning and completely gutted the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station. The ensuing inferno rapidly spread across critical sections of the station, including fuel and gas storage areas, while multiple vehicles within the premises were consumed by the flames.

Situated within a densely populated area, the explosion also impacted surrounding shops and residential buildings, forcing residents and business operators to flee in panic. Victims of the incident sustained varying degrees of injuries, with some receiving immediate care at nearby patent medicine outlets, while others were transported to hospitals for advanced treatment.

Witnesses described chaotic and emotional scenes in the aftermath, as distraught parents searched frantically for their children amid the confusion.

As of the time of this report, emergency responders were yet to arrive at the scene, a situation that reportedly created an opportunity for suspected hoodlums to loot goods from affected shops and parts of the damaged facility. In the absence of official intervention, hundreds of residents reportedly gathered to battle the fire using improvised methods such as sand and water.

Eyewitness accounts on the cause of the explosion remain inconclusive. While some residents speculated that the incident may have been triggered by a phone call made near the gas dispensing area, others pointed to a possible technical fault. A local mechanic suggested that an electrical issue or faulty equipment may have been responsible.

Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer disclosed that officers had been deployed to the scene, adding that efforts were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, with support expected from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation.

Authorities say further details will be provided as emergency responders take full control of the area.