Over 20 persons feared dead as explosion rocks CBN in Calabar

Over 20 persons feared dead as explosion rocks CBN in Calabar

Several people were feared dead in an explosion that rocked the office of the Central Bank in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Friday at about 12.30pm.

Unconfirmed source said about 10 people were killed and over 30 injured in the incident.

It was gathered that it was a gas explosion.

Initial fears were that it was a bomb blast.

At the scene of the incident, the road where the bank is situated was cordoned off to pedestrians and vehicles.

There were fire trucks in the premises of the bank and ambulances were coming in and out, conveying casualties.

There were shattered glasses everywhere and parts of the main bank building were damaged.

Men of the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence and other paramilitary organizations were drafted to scene.

At the gate of the bank relatives of staff were seen crying. They demanded to see their relatives working in the bank.

Officials of the bank refused to comment. "We are traumatized right now. No one can talk," one of them said.

The Commissioner of Police, Henry Faidairo inspected the scene.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Baba-Adisa Bolanta, who also inspected the scene, said the explosion was suspected to be from gas from the central air-conditioning unit.

"This is just an initial assessment, and it is not confirmed yet. It is when a final result has been given that we will confirm what really happened," he said
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