31 Injured In Gas Explosion At Calabar Filling Station

31 Injured In Gas Explosion At Calabar Filling Station
Blast caused by gas leak during transfer operation, police say
Victims receiving treatment as authorities coordinate emergency response

No fewer than 31 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, mostly burns, following a gas explosion at a filling station in Calabar South Local Government Area on Saturday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the incident occurred at Fomex Filling Station along Edibe Edibe Road around 9:40 a.m., destroying property worth millions of naira and razing parts of the facility, including fuel and gas storage tanks. Several vehicles within the premises were also burnt.

The explosion, which shook nearby buildings, was initially mistaken for a bomb by some residents. It happened in a densely populated area, damaging adjoining shops and forcing residents and business owners to flee.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said the explosion occurred during an attempt to transfer gas from a storage tank to a service tank.

“The hose detached, causing gas fumes to leak rapidly into the surrounding area. Efforts to secure the storage tap failed, prompting the attendant to evacuate immediately.

“The leak engulfed the area in flames, resulting in significant property damage. No fatalities have been recorded as of press time.

“The 31 injured victims, with serious burns, are receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital,” he said.

Residents criticised the delayed response of federal and state fire services, noting that intervention came over an hour after the incident. However, the University of Calabar Fire Service was eventually deployed to contain the fire.

Amid the chaos, some hoodlums reportedly looted affected shops, while residents made efforts to control the fire using sand, water and other improvised means.

31 Injured In Gas Explosion At Calabar Filling Station

The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Agegbua, visited the scene for an on the spot assessment. Police operatives were deployed and coordinated response efforts with fire services, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the University of Calabar.