By Patrick Obia
At about 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 21th 2026, a gas explosion left many fatally injured and properties destroyed during an attempt to transfer gas from the storage tank to the service tank by a gas attendant.
According to one of the staff who narrated the tragedy to the Cross River State Police Command said, during the operation, the hose of the transfer detached, causing gas fumes to leak into the surrounding area. All attempts to secure the storage tap were unsuccessful, and the attendant had to evacuate immediately.
The leak happened rapidly, leaving insufficient time to warn nearby residents. The area was engulfed in flames, resulting in significant property damage, the value of which is currently unquantified.
Several residents sustained injuries, primarily burns. Those with serious burns have been transported to the Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported at this time according to the police account. However, other accounts have it that there are four casualties.
“As of now 38 victims with different degrees of burns have been evacuated to UCTH,” the police added.
READ: BREAKING: Residents Panic, As Gas Station Explodes, Fire Spreads To Neighboring House In Calabar
Meanwhile, following the explosion which occurred at Edibe-Edible area of Calabar South LGA, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid B. Afegbua, swiftly led tactical teams to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.
Hoodlums had taken advantage of the incident to steal and loot valuables.
The prompt response of the Command ensured immediate coordination of rescue efforts, effective crowd control, and the safeguarding of lives and property.
The Command’s Spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the proactive deployment of personnel and resources helped to prevent further escalation and restored calm in the affected area, assuring that the Command remains committed to rapid response, public safety, and the protection of all residents.
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