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 injured and property destroyed.
The explosion which occurred on Saturday morning completely razed the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station.
The resulting inferno engulfed major sections of the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks, and destroyed vehicles parked within the premises.
Situated in a densely populated neighbourhood, the blast also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.
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Several victims sustained serious injuries. While some received first aid at nearby patent medicine stores, others were rushed to hospitals for further treatment.
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders had yet to arrive at the scene, creating a security gap that reportedly allowed hoodlums to loot goods from affected shops and the damaged facility.
Hundreds of residents gathered at the scene, with some attempting to contain the fire using sand, water and other improvised means.
Witness accounts of 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.
However, a mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, attributed the incident to a possible electrical fault or faulty equipment.
“I suspect it could be an electrical issue or maybe some of the equipment in the station had expired,” he said.
The incident also sparked emotional scenes, as parents of affected children were seen crying and frantically searching for their wards.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said 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 (FAAN), to contain the situation.
Further details are expected as emergency responders take control of the area.
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