A gas explosion at Fomex filling station along Edibe Edibe Road in Calabar South, Cross River State, has injured 60 people, health authorities have confirmed. The blast occurred at about 9:40 a.m. and shook nearby buildings, with some residents initially mistaking it for a bomb explosion.
Eyewitnesses criticized the delayed response of federal and state fire services, noting that emergency responders had not arrived nearly an hour after the incident. The University of Calabar’s fire service unit eventually intervened.
Dr. Henry Ayuk, State Commissioner for Health, provided the updated casualty figure during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) on Sunday, where the injured are receiving treatment. The number of victims has doubled from the initial count of 30 reported by Governor Bassey Otu on Saturday.
The explosion occurred at a gas plant following a leakage and caused significant damage to several residential buildings in the densely populated area.
During the assessment tour, which included the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpeyong Akiba, Commissioner Ayuk said efforts were underway to decongest the teaching hospital. Patients with minor burn injuries will be transferred to the General Hospital in Calabar to ensure they receive prompt care.
The delegation was received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who briefed officials on patient management. Governor Otu had earlier assured residents that the state government would cover all medical expenses for those affected by the explosion.
Category: Metro
Tags: gas explosion, Calabar South, Fomex filling station, Cross River State, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, burn victims, emergency response, Bassey Otu
