The blast, which occurred on Saturday morning, completely consumed the facility known as Fonex Gas Station.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing key parts of the station, including fuel and gas storage tanks, while several vehicles parked within the premises were burnt.

Situated in a densely populated area of Calabar, the explosion also impacted nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.

Several people sustained injuries of varying severity during the incident. While some victims received treatment at nearby patent medicine stores, others were taken to hospitals for further care.

The aftermath was marked by emotional scenes, with distraught parents seen searching frantically for their children.

Scene Of Incident

As of the time of this report, emergency responders had yet to arrive at the scene, creating a gap that reportedly enabled hoodlums to loot goods from affected shops and sections of the damaged facility.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the location, with some making efforts to put out the fire using sand, water, and other improvised methods.

Eyewitnesses shared conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the explosion.

Some residents claimed it may have been triggered by a customer making a phone call near the gas dispensing area.

However, a mechanic, Ekpenyong Sam, who works opposite the station, suggested a possible technical fault.

“I believe it could be an electrical issue or perhaps some of the station’s equipment had expired,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed that officers had been deployed to the scene.

He added that arrangements were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, to bring the situation under control.

More details are expected as emergency responders move in to manage the situation.