Explosion at gas facility in Calabar leaves several injured, destroys property, raises concerns over safety standards in residential areas.
A gas station explosion has rocked Calabar South, leaving several residents injured and destroying property in the densely populated area.
The incident occurred along Edibe Edibe Road at a private petrol and gas facility, where parts of the station were razed by fire following the explosion.
Eyewitnesses said the blast engulfed fuel and gas storage sections of the station, while vehicles within the premises were also damaged by the inferno.
The explosion reportedly triggered panic across the neighbourhood, forcing residents and business owners to flee as flames spread to nearby buildings and shops.
Victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, with some receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, while others were rushed to hospitals for further treatment.
In the immediate aftermath, residents attempted to contain the fire using improvised means before the arrival of emergency responders.
Security personnel and emergency services have since been deployed to the area, with efforts ongoing to fully contain the situation.
Authorities are also working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, amid growing concerns about safety compliance and the location of fuel and gas facilities within residential communities.