Five persons have so far died and 8 others are in critical condition after Friday’s gas cylinder explosion at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Calabar.
Earlier, Mr John Eluu, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told NAN Saturday morning in an interview that three persons died.
Eluu said 20 staff of the bank were injured in the explosion which occurred at about 11 a.m., while two others were in critical condition.
“As of Friday, 20 CBN staff were injured and two were in critical condition immediately after the gas explosion.
“We have been monitoring the situation closely and I can confirm to you that three of the victims are dead, while 10 are in critical condition.
“Investigation is still ongoing to unravel the cause of the explosion.
“We will continue to monitor the victims as we pray for their survival and quick recovery,’’ he said.
The PPRO dismissed the rumour in some quarters that the explosion was a detonated bomb blast by Boko Haram insurgents.
“I wish to say categorically that the explosion was not a bomb blast by Boko Haram insurgents as it is being rumoured in some corners.
“Our men from the Explosive Ordinance Department were on ground at the scene of the accident.
“Their investigation shows that it was a gas cylinder explosion from one of the units in the building that caused the blast,” he explained.
But the latest reports Saturday afternoon said the death toll has risen to five.
-NAN
