38 hospitalized in Calabar gas station explosion – Police

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command says 38 persons have been hospitalised following the gas station explosion that rocked Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Saturday morning.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in an incident report on the explosions made available in Calabar.

According to him, “At approximately 10:00 AM on 20th March 2026, a gas explosion occurred during an attempt to transfer gas from the storage tank to the service tank by a gas attendant.

“During the operation, the hose detached, causing gas fumes to leak into the surrounding area. All attempts to secure the storage tap were unsuccessful, and the attendant had to evacuate immediately.

“The leak happened rapidly, leaving insufficient time to warn nearby residents. The area was engulfed in flames, resulting in significant property damage, the value of which is currently unquantified.

“Several residents sustained injuries, primarily burns. Those with serious burns have been transported to the teaching hospital for medical treatment.

“Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported at this time. As of now, 38 victims with different degrees of burns have been evacuated to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital,” he said.

The explosions rocked the Fonex Gas Station, located along Edibe Edibe Road in Calabar South local government area, and caused extensive damage to the property, but no fatalities have been recorded as of press time.