Several residents have sustained injuries following a gas station explosion in Calabar, sparking panic across parts of the city.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area, where the blast sent shockwaves through nearby communities.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion originated from a filling station, leaving multiple victims with varying degrees of injuries.
The impact of the blast also damaged surrounding buildings and property.
Residents described hearing a loud bang before flames rapidly engulfed sections of the station, forcing people in the vicinity to flee for safety.
Emergency responders and security operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene to contain the fire and provide assistance to those affected.
The state government is yet to confirm the full extent of casualties, but efforts are ongoing to stabilise the situation and assess the damage caused by the explosion.
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, is expected to visit the site to evaluate the situation and determine the scale of destruction.
The explosion has raised fresh concerns about safety standards at gas facilities, particularly in densely populated areas.
