The number of people hurt in Saturday’s gas explosion in Calabar South has jumped to 60, Cross River State Health Commissioner Dr Henry Ayuk confirmed on Sunday.
Dr Ayuk broke the news after he visited the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where the injured are receiving care.
He walked through the Accident and Emergency Department and saw the growing strain on staff and facilities first-hand.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Senator Bassey Otu had visited the blast site and put the figure at 30.
He immediately promised that the state government would settle every hospital bill so no family faces extra hardship.
As the toll rose, Dr Ayuk decided to move patients with minor burns to the General Hospital in Calabar.
The step will ease pressure on the teaching hospital and make sure everyone gets the right level of attention without delay.
He toured the wards alongside Special Adviser on General Duties Mr Ekpeyong Akiba and received a full briefing from Chief Medical Director Prof Ikpeme Ikpeme.
In addition, the commissioner described the coordinated response as swift and focused.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely to support every victim through recovery.
The explosion began with a gas leak at a plant in the Edibe Edibe area.
Flames quickly spread to nearby houses and shops, but no one lost their life.
Residents still speak of the sudden roar and thick smoke that filled the neighbourhood within minutes.
Governor Otu has already returned to the scene and called the damage shocking.
He assured families that help will keep coming until normal life resumes.
Health teams now work around the clock, and the state continues to track every case so the final support reaches exactly where it is needed mmost.
