Calabar Gas Station Explosion Triggers Panic, Casualties, And Mass Evacuation

Calabar Gas Station Explosion Triggers Panic, Casualties, And Mass Evacuation

Residents in parts of Calabar, Cross River State, were thrown into chaos on Tuesday morning following a devastating gas station explosion in the Efut Abua area of the city. The explosion, which occurred around 10:06 a.m., affected neighborhoods along Calabar Road, Ewa Henshaw, Daniel Henshaw, and Effanga Effiong Streets, leaving multiple people dead and several others with varying degrees of burns.

Casualties and Immediate Impact

Eyewitness accounts confirm that individuals closest to the scene died instantly, while injured victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities by residents and passersby. The exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed. The blast also caused significant structural damage, with nearby buildings showing visible cracks, partially collapsed roofs, and fire damage. Witnesses reported multiple smaller explosions following the initial blast, likely from gas cylinders within the facility.

Delayed Emergency Response

As of nearly 90 minutes after the explosion, emergency responders had yet to arrive at the scene, heightening panic among residents. The Cross River State Fire Service confirmed it had been alerted and was mobilising, while the Federal Fire Service also acknowledged the situation. In the absence of an immediate official response, residents resorted to using buckets of water in an attempt to control the flames.

Scenes of Panic and Community Response

The aftermath saw hundreds of residents gathering at the scene—some attempting to help, others in shock. Many began evacuating their homes, hurriedly packing valuables amid fears of further explosions, particularly from underground fuel storage tanks. Adding to the tension were reports of opportunistic looting, with some residents claiming that criminal elements had begun stealing from affected homes.

Security Presence and Ongoing Concerns

Security operatives, including police units and rapid response teams, have since arrived to secure the area and engage with witnesses. However, fears remain high as residents worry about additional explosions and further damage. The situation continues to evolve, with authorities expected to provide more details on the cause of the explosion and the full extent of casualties and damage.

The Calabar explosion highlights ongoing concerns around gas facility safety, emergency response readiness, and urban risk management. For now, affected communities remain on edge as they await further intervention and clarity from authorities.

Source: Jonathan Ugbal, CrossRiverWatch.

• Lpg in nigeria
• Gas station
• calabar
• Gas explosion
• nigeria