A privately owned petrol and gas station has exploded on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving many residents badly injured and several properties damaged.
The incident happened on Saturday and completely destroyed the facility, identified as Fonex Gas Station.
The fire gutted major parts of the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks, along with vehicles parked within the premises.
Situated in a heavily populated area, the explosion also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and traders to run for safety.
Several people suffered serious injuries from the blast. While some received first aid at nearby patent medicine stores, others were taken to hospitals for further medical attention.
As of the time this report was filed, officials of the police and fire service had yet to arrive at the scene, creating a security gap.
The situation reportedly allowed hoodlums and looters to make away with items from affected shops and the damaged station.
Thousands of residents gathered at the scene, with some trying to help put out the fire using sand, water and other improvised methods.
Accounts from eyewitnesses on the cause of the explosion differed. Some residents claimed it may have been caused by a customer making a phone call near the gas dispensing point.
A mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, linked the incident to a likely electrical fault or outdated equipment within the facility.
“This fire outbreak must have been caused by electrical fault or expired equipment within the facility,” he added.
The incident also triggered emotional moments, as parents of affected children were seen weeping and desperately searching for their wards.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that officers had been sent to the scene.
He said efforts were ongoing to mobilise fire service officials, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to bring the situation under control.
“Our officers have been deployed to the scene. We are making efforts to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation,” he explained.
The incident came shortly after reports of a similar explosion in the Ajah-Sangotedo area of Lagos, where a collision involving a gas tanker and a tipper truck claimed two lives and destroyed warehouses along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.