Days after a gas explosion rocked a residential area in Calabar South, leaving scores injured, the Cross River State Government says 60 victims are now receiving treatment across designated health facilities from the initial figure of 51.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, confirmed that the victims sustained varying degrees of burns following the incident, which has raised fresh concerns over the siting of gas and filling stations within residential communities.
The Cross River State Government says the victims, who sustained varying degrees of burns in the incident, are receiving care across designated health facilities, with medical teams working to stabilize their conditions and prevent complications.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk who gave an update on the victims, says Governor Bassey Otu has directed all medical expenses be fully covered, with treatment to continue until every victim recovers.
Meanwhile, the state government says it is stepping up regulatory action following concerns over the siting of gas and filling stations in residential areas.
The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, says the administration did not approve such facilities, stressing that enforcement will now be intensified.
Officials say the explosion has renewed concerns over safety compliance, with authorities now moving to strengthen enforcement and eliminate illegal siting of gas facilities within residential areas.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
