Calabar Gas Blast: Injured Victims Climb to 60 as C’River Moves to Decongest UCTH

CALABAR – The medical crisis following Saturday’s devastating gas explosion at Edibe Edibe has intensified, with the number of confirmed victims rising sharply from 30 to 60.

​The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed the new figures on Sunday during an emergency assessment visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The surge in casualties comes less than 24 hours after Governor Bassey Otu initially reported 30 victims during his visit to the scene of the blast in Calabar South.

​Hospital Decongestion Plan

​To manage the influx of patients, Dr. Ayuk announced that the state would begin transferring victims with minor burn injuries to the General Hospital, Calabar. This move is intended to relieve the “Accident and Emergency” department of the UCTH, which has been under significant pressure since the incident occurred.

​”Our visit today was to assess the level of care and ensure that every victim is receiving the necessary attention,” Ayuk stated. “By moving those with less severe injuries, we ensure the teaching hospital can focus its specialized resources on the most critical cases.”

​Cause of the Blast

​Preliminary investigations by the Cross River State Police Command identified the cause as a mechanical failure during a gas transfer. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the explosion occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at a local gas plant.

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​Reports indicate that a hose detached while an attendant was transferring gas from a storage tank to a service tank. The resulting leak rapidly engulfed the densely populated Edibe Edibe neighborhood in flames, destroying several residential buildings and shops before residents could be alerted.

​Government Intervention

​Governor Bassey Otu, who described the scale of destruction as “shocking” and “unfortunate,” has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to foot the entirety of the medical bills for all 60 victims. During his assessment, the Governor also hinted at stricter regulations for the siting of gas facilities, noting that such high-risk operations should not be located within residential hubs.

​The Commissioner was joined on his Sunday visit by the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Mr. Ekpeyong Akiba. They were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who confirmed that medical teams are working around the clock to stabilize those with severe burns.

​As of Sunday evening, no fatalities have been officially recorded, though several victims remain in critical condition.