Tanker Inferno Kills One, Injures Another, Destroys Shops In Cross River
By ETETE EKONG
A tanker crash in Odukpani, Cross River State, has left one person dead and another seriously injured after the vehicle overturned and caught fire.
The tanker, which was reportedly transporting petroleum products, crashed opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat.
Soon after the accident, flames engulfed the tanker and spread to nearby shops, buildings and vehicles.
The state police spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident in a statement.
Police initially reported that the tanker driver had been rescued from the fire and taken to a hospital.
Later, however, the command confirmed one death and one serious injury linked to the incident.
The identities of those affected were not immediately released.
Following the accident, police officers from the Odukpani Division moved to the scene to secure the area and protect residents.
Fire service personnel were also alerted as emergency agencies worked to contain the blaze.
Authorities have therefore warned residents and motorists to stay away from the affected location.
Such caution, police said, would enable emergency responders to operate without obstruction and reduce the risk of further casualties.
The latest incident has also renewed concerns about fire emergencies in Cross River.
Between January and September 2026, the state fire service recorded 17 fire incidents, which it said caused about ₦2.5 billion in property losses and left six people injured.
Petroleum-related incidents formed part of the emergencies recorded during the period.
Moreover, the state recently witnessed another major fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, where several businesses were affected.
The repeated incidents have continued to highlight the importance of rapid emergency response, public safety awareness and improved fire prevention measures.
For residents and motorists, authorities have again stressed the need for caution around accident scenes and other fire emergencies.
