A devastating explosion at a private fuel station in Calabar has left several residents injured and caused significant property damage, raising fresh concerns about safety standards in densely populated areas.
The incident occurred on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area, where the facility, identified as Fonex Gas Station, was completely engulfed in flames. The explosion destroyed large sections of the station, including fuel and gas storage tanks, and also affected vehicles parked within the premises.
Due to the station’s location within a busy residential neighbourhood, the impact extended beyond the facility itself. Nearby shops and buildings were damaged, forcing residents and business owners to flee in panic as the fire spread rapidly.
Several individuals sustained serious injuries during the explosion. While some victims received immediate attention at nearby patent medicine stores, others were rushed to hospitals for more intensive care.
At the time of the incident, there was a noticeable delay in emergency response, as neither the police nor fire service had arrived at the scene. This absence reportedly created an opportunity for looting, with some individuals taking advantage of the chaos to remove goods from affected shops and the damaged station.
In the absence of professional emergency responders, residents attempted to contain the fire using improvised methods such as sand and water. Thousands gathered at the scene, with many trying to assist while others watched in shock.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with eyewitness accounts offering differing explanations. Some suggested that the blast may have been triggered by a phone call made near the gas dispensing area, while others pointed to a possible electrical fault or faulty equipment within the station.
The emotional toll of the incident was also evident, as distraught parents were seen searching for their children amid the confusion and destruction.
Authorities have since begun responding to the situation. The police confirmed that officers had been deployed to the scene, while efforts were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to bring the situation under control.
