A staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been confirmed dead in an explosion that rocked the bank’s branch in Calabar, Cross River State on Friday.
A construction worker was also confirmed dead, with 25 others injured.
These facts were contained in a statement by the acting Director of Communications of the CBN, Isaac Okorafor.
The statement, which confirmed the explosion, added: “We are, however, very saddened to confirm that two of the critically injured, a CBN staff and a construction worker, have died at the hospital. We are now working with the bereaved families to determine next steps.
Okorafor said of the explosion: “A fire incident occurred at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Calabar Branch on Friday, 11th March 2016.
“The fire, which broke out at about 12 noon in the banking hall of the premises, was apparently caused by a gas explosion from the air conditioners in the building which is undergoing some refurbishment at the moment.
“As soon as the incident occurred, the CBN emergency alert system was activated, the Fire Service was called in, and the fire was immediately brought under control.
“Following the explosion and fire, about twenty five (25) persons sustained various levels of injury, and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Calabar.
“Four of the injured have been discharged.”
CBN staff, one other die in Calabar explosion
