Two people have been confirmed dead and two others are in critical condition after a diesel tanker caught fire in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, when the tanker reportedly collided with a stationary truck, overturned, and ignited, setting off a blaze that quickly spread to nearby shops and properties.
The fire destroyed several shops, goods, and vehicles. The tanker driver, who was trapped in the vehicle, was rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to secure the area and manage the situation, while the Cross River State Fire Service worked to contain the flames.
Following the incident, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Efa Nyong, led a joint assessment team—including officials from CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society—to the scene. The team was received by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Etim Asido, who guided them through the affected areas and provided an update on the extent of the damage.
The assessment team noted significant destruction to shops and other properties as the Fire Service continued efforts to fully extinguish the fire. At the scene, Chairman Asido commended the Fire Service for their rapid response, and expressed gratitude to the state government and CR-SEMA for their swift intervention. Nyong extended condolences to the families of those killed and injured, as well as to business owners whose shops and goods were lost. He assured victims that the state government, through CR-SEMA and other relevant agencies, would continue to assess the situation and consider appropriate support.
Authorities have advised residents, traders, and motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency responders full access to the scene. The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by petroleum tanker operations, especially in commercial hubs and communities along major roads in Cross River State.
