The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed two deaths as a result of Friday’s explosion and resultant fire outbreak at its Calabar Branch in Cross River State.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued yesterday afternoon by CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac A. Okorafor. He explained that “the fire, which broke out at about 12 noon in the banking hall of the premises, was apparently caused by a gas explosion from the air conditioners in the building which is undergoing some refurbishment at the moment.”

Continuing, Mr. Okorafor said: “As soon as the incident occurred, the CBN emergency alert system was activated, the Fire Service was called in, and the fire was immediately brought under control.

“Following the explosion and fire, about twenty five (25) persons sustained various levels of injury, and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Calabar. Four of the injured have been discharged.

“We are, however, very saddened to confirm that two of the critically injured, a CBN staff and a construction worker, have died at the hospital. We are now working with the bereaved families to determine next steps. More details will be made known to the public in due course.”

•Photo courtesy of THISDAY shows fire trucks as fire fighters arrived to quench the fire at CBN Calabar Branch . . . yesterday.