One person has died and another is injured after a petrol tanker caught fire in Cross River State. The accident happened near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat on Saturday, October 4, 2026. The tanker overturned and went up in flames, spreading fire to nearby shops and buildings.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. Eitokpah Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, said officers have been sent to the scene to secure the area. Their goal is to ensure public safety after the accident.
The statement read, "The Cross River State Police Command is aware of a fire incident currently occurring opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, Odukpani, Cross River State, today, 4 October 2026."
"Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that a tanker truck conveying petroleum product was involved in a road traffic accident and overturned in the process, resulting in the fire, which has spread to nearby shops and buildings."
The driver of the tanker was reportedly trapped in the fire but has been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment. Police from the Odukpani Division are on-site to maintain safety and prevent further harm. The Fire Service has also been called to help put out the fire.
Earlier, the police had reported that no deaths were confirmed at that time. They noted that only shops and vehicles were affected. However, an update later confirmed that one person died in the fire, while another is receiving serious medical treatment.
The police urged the public to stay away from the area. They asked that emergency responders be allowed to work without obstruction. The police spokesman added that more updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
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