Calabar as the number of blast victims rose to 60 as health officials assessed the condition of the victims

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

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, revealed the latest figures 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 initially confirmed 30 fatalities after inspecting the scene on Saturday.

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

To reduce pressure on teaching hospitals, the commissioner noted that patients with less severe injuries will be transferred to other facilities. He stated that victims with minor burns would be transferred to the General Hospital, Calabar, to enable more efficient treatment and better allocation of resources.

Ayuk was accompanied by the Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, Mr Ekpeyong Akiba, on the visit to the hospital. They were received by the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who provided guidance on the care and handling of the victims.

The explosion, reportedly caused by a gas leak at a factory in the Edibe Edibe area of ​​South Calabar, affected nearby houses and left dozens of people injured. The state government promised to cover the medical costs of those affected, as part of a wider coordinated response to the incident.