SEVERAL INJURED, PROPERTIES DESTROYED AS GAS STATION EXPLODES IN CALABAR (PHOTOS)
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
A private petrol and gas filling station has exploded on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving several residents seriously injured and properties destroyed.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, completely razed the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station.
The resulting inferno engulfed major parts of the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks, as well as vehicles parked within the premises.
Situated in a densely populated neighbourhood, the explosion also impacted nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.
Several victims sustained serious injuries from the blast. While some received first aid at nearby patent medicine stores, others were taken to hospitals for further treatment.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the fire service had arrived at the scene, creating a security vacuum.
The situation reportedly allowed hoodlums and looters to cart away items from affected shops and the damaged facility.
Thousands of residents gathered at the scene, with some attempting to contain the fire using sand, water, and other improvised methods.
Eyewitness accounts on the cause of the explosion varied. Some residents alleged that it may have been triggered by a customer making a phone call near the gas dispensing area.
A mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, attributed the incident to a possible electrical fault or expired equipment within the facility.
“This fire outbreak must have been caused by electrical fault or expired equipment within the facility,” he added.
The incident also sparked emotional scenes, as parents of affected children were seen crying and searching frantically for their wards.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that officers had been deployed to the scene.
He added that efforts were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation.
“Our officers have been deployed to the scene. We are making efforts to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation,” he explained.
The incident came shortly after reports emerged of a similar explosion in the Ajah-Sangotedo axis of Lagos, where a collision between a gas tanker and a tipper truck killed two people and destroyed warehouses along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
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