By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

A massive explosion has devastated the Fonex Gas Station on Edibe Edibe Street in Calabar South. 

The blast triggered a fierce inferno that razed the facility and sent thick smoke into the atmosphere.

The fire quickly engulfed fuel tanks and vehicles, spreading to nearby shops and residential buildings in the densely populated neighborhood.

This forced panicked residents and business owners to flee their properties as the flames advanced.

Numerous victims sustained varying degrees of injuries while attempting to escape the heat and debris. While some were rushed to hospitals for emergency care, others received treatment at local patent medicine stores within the community.

There was a noticeable delay in the arrival of official emergency responders, sparking significant concern among the affected locals. Residents were initially left to face the advancing flames without professional help from the state fire service.

Resourceful community members eventually banded together to contain the fire using sand, water, and other improvised materials. They worked desperately to prevent the blaze from jumping to more residential structures in the crowded area.

Exploiting the chaos and early absence of security, hoodlums reportedly moved into the scene to loot goods. Various items were stolen from the damaged gas station and neighboring shops vacated during the emergency.

Authorities have launched an investigation, with reports suggesting either a phone call or an electrical fault caused the blast.

Police confirmed that fire units, including FAAN support, were eventually deployed to manage the situation.