A fire outbreak occurred at the SPAR shopping outlet in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday morning, August 22, sending thick smoke across parts of the city and triggering panic among residents and shoppers.
Reports from the scene said the blaze started inside the shopping complex, with flames visible from Barracks Road, roughly 100 yards from the outlet. Videos circulating online showed large flames and heavy smoke rising from the building.
The Cross River State Ministry of Information confirmed that a fire had broken out at the SPAR Calabar Mall, following a reported explosion within the shopping complex. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the explosion or fire.
Reports from the scene indicated that the fire affected a section of the mall housing several businesses, including a pharmacy, clothing store, perfumery and phone shop. Some reports said goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed as the flames spread.
Firefighters were deployed to the scene to battle the inferno, while security personnel worked to control the crowd that gathered around the mall. There were also reports that the mall’s internal fire hydrant system was overwhelmed by the intensity of the blaze.
As of the latest reports, no deaths or confirmed injuries had been reported. The extent of the damage was also still being assessed as emergency responders continued efforts to contain the fire.
The exact circumstances surrounding the reported explosion remain unclear, and authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the incident.
SPAR’s official store locator lists its Calabar outlet at Mary Slessor Avenue, Barrack Road, Cultural Center Road, Calabar.
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