Two Feared Dead In Calabar CBN Office Explosion

Two persons were yesterday feared dead and over 20 others injured as a gas explosion rocked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office along Calabar road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident, which occurred about 11.35a.m, saw many people scampering for safety, as no one was sure of the cause of the explosion. The ever-busy Calabar road between the popular eleven-eleven and Total filling station was cordoned off and diverted.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Henry Faidairo, who inspected the scene with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Baba-Adisa Bolanta, said the explosion must have been caused by gas from the central air-conditioning unit.

Faidairo said: “The team of experts handling the situation confirmed to me that 18 persons were injured while two others are said to be in a critical situation.”

An eyewitness report however said that most of the injured persons might have suffered up to 80 per cent degree burns.