TANKER INFERNO KILLS ONE, INJURES ANOTHER IN CROSS RIVER

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

One person has been confirmed dead while another sustained serious injuries after a petroleum tanker overturned and caught fire opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2026, when the tanker, which was conveying petroleum products, was involved in a road crash, overturned and burst into flames. The inferno subsequently spread to nearby shops and buildings.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Cross River State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said officers had been deployed to the scene to secure the area and protect members of the public.

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The statement said preliminary information indicated that the tanker was involved in a road traffic accident and overturned, triggering the fire.

According to the police, the tanker driver, who was reportedly trapped in the fire, was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

“Police officers from Odukpani Division are currently at the scene to maintain safety, secure the area and prevent further harm to members of the public. The Fire Service has also been alerted for immediate deployment to contain and extinguish the fire,” the statement added.

The Command had initially reported that no death had been confirmed, with shops and vehicles reportedly affected by the inferno.

However, a subsequent update confirmed that one person died in the fire while another sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

The police urged residents to stay away from the affected area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.

The Command added that further information would be released as verified details emerge.