A private petrol and gas filling station has exploded on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving several residents severely injured and properties destroyed.

The explosion, which occurred on Saturday, completely razed the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station.

The inferno consumed major sections of the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks, as well as vehicles parked within the premises.

Located in a densely populated neighbourhood, the blast also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.

Several victims sustained serious injuries from the impact of the explosion. While some were receiving first aid at nearby patent medicine stores, others were rushed to hospitals for further treatment.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor the fire service had arrived at the scene, creating a security vacuum.

The situation reportedly gave room for hoodlums and looters to cart away items from affected shops and the damaged facility.

Thousands of residents gathered at the scene, with some attempting to assist in containing the fire using sand, water, and other improvised means.

Eyewitness accounts on the cause of the explosion varied. Some residents alleged that it may have been triggered by a customer making a phone call near the gas dispensing area.

A mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, attributed the incident to a possible electrical fault or expired equipment within the facility.

Scene of the explosion in Calabar. Photo: Emem Julius

“This fire outbreak must have been caused by electrical fault or expired equipment within the facility,” he added.

The incident also sparked emotional scenes, as parents of affected children were seen crying and searching frantically for their wards.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed that officers had been deployed to the scene.

He added that efforts were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation.

“Our officers have been deployed to the scene. We are making efforts to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to contain the situation,” he explained.

The incident came shortly after reports emerged of a similar explosion in the Ajah-Sangotedo axis of Lagos, where a collision between a gas tanker and a tipper truck killed two people and destroyed warehouses along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. (PUNCH)