The death toll from a gas explosion in Calabar, Nigeria, has doubled, with health authorities confirming 60 victims are now receiving treatment, up from an initial count of 30. The state government has pledged to cover all medical expenses for those injured in the incident.
Dr. Henry Ayuk, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, provided the updated figure during an assessment visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) on Sunday. His visit aimed to evaluate the medical response and conditions for the victims. Dr. Ayuk announced that patients with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital in Calabar. This measure is intended to alleviate pressure on the teaching hospital and ensure efficient care for all affected individuals.
The delegation accompanying Dr. Ayuk included Ekpeyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties. They were briefed by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who gave updates on the victims’ conditions and the hospital’s management strategy. This visit is part of a coordinated state government response to the disaster, focusing on swift and adequate medical intervention.
The explosion occurred on Saturday in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South. It was triggered by a gas leakage at a local gas plant, which then ignited and affected several nearby houses, causing widespread injuries and structural damage.
Governor Bassey Otu, who visited the disaster scene on Saturday, had initially reported approximately 30 injured persons. His administration’s commitment to funding all hospital bills remains in effect as the casualty number has increased. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with transfers to secondary care facilities already underway to optimize the treatment capacity for severe cases.
The incident underscores the critical need for robust emergency response systems in densely populated areas. State authorities are now focused on stabilizing the injured, supporting displaced residents, and investigating the cause of the gas leakage that led to the blast.
