The number of victims affected by the gas explosion that occurred in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday has risen to 60.

Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed this during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where the victims are receiving treatment.

The state governor, Bassey Otu, on Saturday, gave the figure of the victims to be 30 when he visited the scene of the incident. He said the government would cover the victims’ hospital bills.

Mr Ayuk said his visit to the hospital was to assess the situation of the victims receiving medical attention.

He said victims with minor burn injuries would be transferred to the General Hospital, Calabar, to ease pressure on the teaching hospital and ensure efficient care for all victims.

The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the special adviser to the governor on general duties, Ekpeyong Akiba.

They were received by the chief medical director of UCTH, Ikpeme Ikpeme, who provided updates on the victims’ condition and management.

The visit formed part of the state government’s coordinated response to the explosion, with health authorities working to ensure prompt and adequate treatment for all affected persons.

A gas plant leak triggered an explosion that affected several other houses in the Edibe Edibe area of Calabar South, injuring many.

(NAN)