Gas Explosion in Calabar Leaves 60 Injured, Governor Vows Full Support for Victims
CALABAR, Nigeria — A devastating gas explosion in Calabar’s Edibe Edibe area on Saturday has left 60 people injured, prompting an urgent response from state authorities. The incident, caused by a gas leak at a local plant, has shaken the community and overwhelmed medical facilities as victims seek treatment for burns and other injuries.
Governor Bassey Otu, who visited the scene shortly after the explosion, initially reported 30 casualties. However, Dr. Henry Ayuk, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, later confirmed the number had doubled to 60 during his visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where most victims are receiving care.
“Our priority is to ensure every injured person receives the best possible treatment,” Dr. Ayuk stated. He emphasized that the state government would cover all medical expenses for the victims, a commitment echoed by Governor Otu.
The explosion, which occurred in a densely populated residential area, damaged several houses and sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as residents rushed to assist the injured and emergency services worked to contain the situation.
Coordinated Response to Ensure Adequate Care
Dr. Ayuk’s visit to UCTH was part of the state government’s efforts to assess the severity of the injuries and mobilize resources for treatment. Accompanied by Ekpeyong Akiba, the governor’s special adviser on general duties, the commissioner was briefed by UCTH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, on the hospital’s capacity to handle the influx of patients.
To alleviate pressure on the teaching hospital, plans are underway to transfer victims with minor burns to the General Hospital in Calabar. This move aims to improve efficiency and ensure all patients receive timely care.
“We are working closely with health authorities to manage the situation and provide comprehensive support to those affected,” Dr. Ayuk said.
Community Calls for Accountability
The explosion has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom are questioning the safety measures at the gas plant. Community leaders have called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the leak and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety protocols were in place,” said one local resident, who asked not to be named. “We demand accountability and stricter regulations to protect our community.”
Governor Otu has also pledged to address these concerns, promising a full investigation into the incident. “We will leave no stone unturned in determining what went wrong and ensuring such a disaster does not happen again,” he said.
Moving Forward: Recovery and Resilience
As medical teams continue their efforts to treat the injured, the focus has shifted to long-term recovery and support for affected families. The state government has assured residents that it will provide not only medical care but also necessary aid to rebuild damaged homes and livelihoods.
The explosion highlights the risks associated with gas plants located in residential areas, raising broader questions about urban planning and safety standards in Nigeria’s growing cities. For now, however, the priority remains on healing and helping those impacted by the tragedy.
“We are grateful for the quick response from medical teams and the government’s support,” said another resident. “But we hope this serves as a wake-up call to prevent future disasters.”
— Reported by Nexio News
