- Calabar Explosion Victims Rise to 60 as Government Steps Up Response
- The governor had assured that the state government would take responsibility for the victims’ medical bills
- Health authorities say the government’s coordinated response is focused on ensuring prompt treatment and stabilising all affected victims
The number of people injured in the recent gas explosion in Calabar, Cross River State, has risen to 60, as authorities intensify efforts to manage the situation and provide medical care for victims.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, disclosed the updated figure during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where many of the injured are currently receiving treatment.
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The development marks a significant increase from the earlier figure of 30 victims given by Governor Bassey Otu during his initial visit to the scene of the incident. The governor had assured that the state government would take responsibility for the victims’ medical bills.
Speaking during the hospital visit, Ayuk explained that the purpose was to assess the condition of patients and ensure that they are receiving adequate care. He added that victims with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital Calabar to reduce pressure on the teaching hospital and allow for more efficient treatment.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the governor on General Duties, Ekpeyong Akiba, and they were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Ikpeme Ikpeme, who briefed them on the condition of the victims and ongoing medical efforts.
The explosion, which was traced to a gas plant leak in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South, left several people injured and caused damage to nearby buildings.
Health authorities say the government’s coordinated response is focused on ensuring prompt treatment and stabilising all affected victims as investigations into the incident continue.
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