A suspected explosion struck a privately owned filling station in Calabar on Saturday morning, igniting a massive fire that razed the facility.
The incident also impacted nearby residents, with several individuals sustaining injuries during the blaze at the station situated along Edibe Edibe Road in Calabar South.
The fire, which reportedly burned for more than an hour, engulfed critical parts of the station, including fuel and gas storage tanks, as well as vehicles parked within the premises.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, and authorities have begun investigations while an official report is still being awaited.
Andy Etim, an eyewitness wondered why a major gas station was licenced to operate in a densely populated area.
He also expressed displeasure that despite several fire incidences in the state in recent weeks, the state still lacks a functional and handy fire fighting vehicles.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that officers had been deployed to the scene to prevent breakdown of law and order.
He added that efforts were underway to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to contain the situation.
