Calabar as explosion toll climbs to 60 as health officials review victims’ condition

The number of people injured in the recent gas explosion in Calabar, Cross River State, has risen to 60, as authorities intensify efforts to manage the aftermath and provide medical care to those affected.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, disclosed the updated figure during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) on Sunday, where many of the victims are currently receiving treatment. His visit followed an earlier assessment by Governor Bassey Otu, who had initially confirmed 30 casualties after inspecting the scene on Saturday.

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Providing an update on the situation, Ayuk said, “We arrived at the Accident and Emergency Department of UCTH, where about 60 victims of the gas explosion that occurred along Edibe Edibe, Calabar South, are receiving treatment.” He explained that the visit was aimed at evaluating the condition of the injured and ensuring that adequate medical attention was being provided.

To ease pressure on the teaching hospital, the commissioner noted that patients with less severe injuries would be moved to another facility. He stated that victims with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital, Calabar, to allow for more efficient care and better resource allocation.

Ayuk was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr Ekpeyong Akiba, during the hospital visit. They were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who briefed them on the treatment and management of the victims.

The explosion, reportedly caused by a gas leak at a plant in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South, impacted nearby homes and left dozens injured. The state government has since pledged to cover the medical expenses of those affected, as part of a broader coordinated response to the incident.

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