Panic in Calabar as Suspected Fuel Explosion Shakes City

Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was thrown into confusion and panic this morning following what residents described as a suspected fuel explosion. The loud blast, accompanied by thick smoke and vibrations across nearby neighborhoods, sent many scampering for safety as the fear of another tanker-related disaster gripped the city.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion occurred around the MCC–Ikot Eneobong axis, a busy residential and commercial corridor known for fuel tanker traffic and roadside storage of petroleum products.

“I was in my shop when I suddenly heard a thunderous sound. People started shouting ‘fire, fire!’ and running. I thought it was another tanker accident,”

…said Enefiok Udom, a trader in the area.

Although no official confirmation has been given at press time on whether the blast originated from a fuel tanker or illegal storage depot, residents told RoadKing.ng that fuel smells and minor flames were noticed before the incident.

Growing Pattern of Explosions

This incident adds to the growing list of fuel-related explosions in Nigeria. Just last month, a tanker explosion along the East–West Road claimed lives, while another blast in Lagos destroyed several vehicles. In Calabar alone, reports of illegal fuel bunkering and storage have sparked fears of catastrophic accidents.

Road safety and fire officials were quickly deployed to the scene to douse the flames and cordon off the area. Fortunately, no casualties have been confirmed at the time of filing this report, but locals say the psychological trauma is lingering.

Residents Speak Out

Many residents lamented the absence of proactive government oversight.

“How can fuel depots be springing up in residential areas unchecked? Must we wait until lives are lost before action is taken?” asked Mrs. Agnes Ita, a community leader.

Another motorist noted that the incident further exposes the danger fuel tankers and poor regulation pose to road users and innocent bystanders.

Expert View

Speaking to RoadKing.ng, a road safety analyst, Dr. Charles Ekwueme, warned that Nigeria risks more devastating disasters if the culture of neglect continues.

“Explosions like this don’t just happen in isolation. They’re symptoms of systemic failure, weak enforcement, corruption in the regulatory space, and reckless handling of petroleum products. Until there is a deliberate policy to enforce stricter safety protocols, citizens remain at risk daily,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

For road users in Calabar and across Nigeria, this suspected fuel explosion is another grim reminder of the percussions of unsafe fuel handling,  from poorly maintained tankers to illegal bunkering. While yesterday’s incident caused no immediate deaths, experts warn that the next one may not be so forgiving.

The Federal Government and relevant agencies like the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are being urged to step up interventions before another tragedy strikes.