Another fuel station fire has been reported in Calabar, Cross River State, following an explosion at Scanobo Filling Station along Ikot Ekpo, 8 Miles, which affected several vehicles and nearby shops.
The incident, which occurred at about 4 pm on Thursday, October 15, came seven months after a similar incident at a gas station in the Edibe-Edibe axis of Calabar South, where residents were injured and homes and other properties damaged.
The latest incident affected five vehicles and two shops close to the filling station.
The Cross River State Police Command said no lives were lost in the incident, adding that the fire was brought under control about 20 minutes after it was reported.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, a concerned resident reported the incident to the divisional police officer in charge of the area.
Police personnel were subsequently deployed to the scene, where they cordoned off the affected area and assisted in facilitating firefighting operations.
The police said preliminary information suggested that the fire might have resulted from a gas explosion within the filling station. However, the cause remains subject to investigation.
The command added that it had commenced an investigation in collaboration with the state Fire Service to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The March incident in Calabar South injured residents and damaged homes and other properties, while Thursday’s fire affected vehicles and shops, renewing concerns about the safety of petroleum retail outlets located close to residential areas and businesses.
The police urged residents and business operators to observe fire-safety precautions and report emergencies promptly.
Members of the public were also advised to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid interfering with investigations.
The command said further information would be made available as investigations progress.