A major explosion rocked Fonex Gas Station on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South, Cross River State, on Saturday, leaving several residents seriously injured and causing widespread property damage. The blast completely destroyed the station, including its fuel and gas storage tanks and vehicles parked on the premises.
The explosion, which occurred in a densely populated area, also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to evacuate for safety.
Many victims sustained severe injuries, with some receiving first aid at nearby patent medicine stores while others were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
As of the latest reports, neither the police nor the fire service had arrived, creating a security vacuum that allowed looters to take advantage of the chaos and steal items from the damaged facility and surrounding shops.
Thousands of residents gathered at the scene, with some using sand, water, and other improvised methods in an effort to contain the fire.
