(DDM) – Calabar, Cross River State – A devastating explosion rocked a local gas station in Calabar, leaving several residents injured and causing extensive damage to nearby properties, including vehicles and commercial shops.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud blast late Friday morning at the filling station, which sent plumes of smoke into the sky and triggered panic among residents in the surrounding area. People living nearby rushed out of their homes and businesses as the fire engulfed the station and spread to adjacent structures.
Several injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical personnel provided emergency care. Cross River State authorities confirmed that while no fatalities have been reported so far, the injuries range from burns to minor trauma sustained during the chaos.
Local businesses suffered significant losses, with some shops completely gutted and vehicles parked near the station severely damaged by the blast. Early estimates suggest that the financial impact of the explosion could run into tens of millions of naira.
Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene, managing to contain the blaze before it spread further into the densely populated neighborhood. Residents praised the quick response of the emergency services but expressed concerns over the safety protocols at the gas station.
Cross River State government officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports indicate that an equipment malfunction or mishandling of fuel may have triggered the blast, though authorities are urging residents to await official findings.
The explosion has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety regulations for fuel stations in urban areas, particularly in Calabar, where growing commercial activity and residential proximity can increase risks during accidents.
State emergency management teams are coordinating with local security agencies to provide relief for affected families and ensure the site is secured. Meanwhile, residents are being advised to avoid the area until safety assessments are fully completed.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety standards and the need for better monitoring of hazardous facilities across the state. Civil society groups are expected to push for stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
