A joint assessment team comprising officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, led by the director general of SEMA, Efa Nyong, visited the scene of a petroleum tanker explosion in Calabar on Sunday. The tanker had collided with a stationary truck and exploded early Sunday morning, killing the driver and conductor, burning nearby shops and parked vehicles.
The assessment team observed the impact of the fire on the surrounding shops and other property, while the Cross River State Fire Service continued efforts to completely put out the inferno. The team was received and taken around the affected areas by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Mr Etim Asido, who provided details of the incident and the extent of damage recorded.
Nyong sympathised with the families of the deceased and the injured, as well as business owners whose shops were affected by the fire. He assured the affected persons that the State Government, through CR-SEMA and relevant stakeholders, would continue to assess the situation and explore appropriate interventions.
Asido commended the Fire Service for its prompt response and appreciated the State Government and CR-SEMA for swiftly responding to the incident. He led the team to an Apostolic Church close to the scene, where prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the situation having been brought under control and for the prevention of a more devastating outcome.
The explosion had a significant impact on the surrounding area, with several shops and vehicles damaged or destroyed. The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products and the importance of emergency preparedness.
The visit by the joint team of Nigerian Red Cross and SEMA officials demonstrates the government's commitment to providing support to those affected by the incident. The team provided assistance and assessed the situation to determine the extent of the damage and the needs of the affected individuals.
The incident in Calabar highlights the need for continued vigilance and emergency preparedness in the face of potential disasters. The government and emergency services must work together to mitigate the impact of such incidents and provide support to those affected.
Key points
- The Nigerian Red Cross Society and Cross River State Emergency Management Agency led a joint assessment of the damage caused by the petroleum tanker explosion in Calabar.
- The explosion killed two people and damaged several shops and vehicles in the surrounding area.
- The government has assured affected individuals of continued support and assessment of the situation to determine the extent of the damage.
