BREAKING: Residents Panic, As Gas Station Explodes, Fire Spreads To Neighboring House In Calabar

By Jonathan Ugbal

There is palpable fear among residents of Calabar Road, Ewa Henshaw, Daniel Henshaw, and Effanga Effiong Streets in the Efut Abua area of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, who are struggling to pack valuables following an explosion that rocked a nearby gas station.

The explosion occurred around 10:06 AM causing the immediate deaths of those near the scene of explosion while others around suffered different degrees of burns and are currently being conveyed to different medical facilities by well wishes.

While the cause is yet unknown, hundreds of residents have filled the area with some fetching water in buckets to put out the remaining flames.

The Cross River State Fire Service is yet to arrive at the scene at the time of publishing which is almost 90 minutes after the explosion is said to have happened.

The State Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Ewona Peter confirmed that the service had been alerted and was mobilising to the scene.

When contacted, the Federal Fire Service control room said it will reach out to its office in Calabar for action.

When this reporter visited, hundreds of residents gathered round with some filming the unfortunate situation while others remained in shock.

Visible cracks appeared in the neighboring apartment with flashes of flames put out almost immediately.

“These were caused by the several explosions that followed the initial one, probably the small cylinders that had been filled,” a resident, who did not want to be named told CrossRiverWatch.

A Carpenter could be seen trying to fix the roof which had partially collapsed while neighbours scrambled to pack a few belongings.

A few decided to cordon off adjoining streets to prevent a gridlock.

The Efut Division of the Nigerian Police, the Rapid Response Squad from the State Command, and the Sting Unit have since arrived at the scene and are interacting with witnesses, a hundred meters away from the scene.

Charred remains of a minivan, crunched cylinders, cratered storage tanks, partly collapsed building and fence are visible in the scenes while many fear that the fuel in the underground storage tanks may wreak more havoc.

UPDATE: 12:07 PM.

Meanwhile, fears of criminal elements taking advantage of the situation to loot houses has reached fever pitch with one lady saying they are already victims.

“They have stolen a few things from my father’s house. These boys are heartless. That is why I am moving what I can now,” she said while boarding a tricycle to another street to drop some items with her siblings.

Security aides of Cross River Governor arrived at the scene and left shortly after. Some claim they instructed victims to join them to a hospital for proper treatment.

More details later…