A fire outbreak occurred at the popular SPAR shopping outlet in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026, sending thick smoke into the surrounding area and triggering panic among shoppers, workers and residents.
The fire was reported to have started inside the shopping facility, with flames visible from Barrack Road, about 100 yards from the scene, according to eyewitness accounts reported by Vanguard.
Firefighters were deployed to the scene as efforts were made to contain the blaze. An eyewitness told Vanguard that about three fire service trucks had arrived and were attempting to pump water from the SPAR borehole to fight the fire.
At the time of the initial reports, it was unclear whether anyone was trapped inside the facility, while confusion was reportedly observed around the car park. The cause of the fire had also not been established.
The situation later appeared to worsen, with a local report stating that the fire spread through a wing of the Calabar Mall. The affected section was reported to contain businesses including a pharmacy, clothing outlet, perfumery and phone shop, while staff watched as properties were threatened by the flames.
The report also alleged that the mall’s fire hydrant system was overwhelmed and that only one fire service truck was battling the blaze at that stage. These claims could not immediately be independently verified.
SPAR Nigeria officially lists its Calabar outlet at Mary Slessor Avenue, Barrack Road, Cultural Centre Road, Calabar. The company describes SPAR as a major supermarket and hypermarket brand in Nigeria.
The Calabar outlet has an in-store bakery and hot-meals operation, among other facilities. SPAR International reported that the Calabar hypermarket opened in July 2016 and featured a bakery, butchery, fruit and vegetable section and ready-made meals counter.
As of the latest reports available, the exact cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage had not been officially established. There was also no confirmed official figure for the value of goods or property destroyed.
Authorities are expected to assess the damage and determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
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