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One person has died while another sustained serious injuries after a petrol 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 transporting petroleum products, was involved in a road accident.
The fire spread to nearby shops and buildings, affecting vehicles and other property in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Cross River State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said its officers have been deployed to the scene to secure the area and ensure public safety.
The Command also alerted the Fire Service to respond to the blaze and contain its spread.
“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, who was reportedly caught in the fire, has been rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“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 read.
The police had initially reported that no death was confirmed at the time of filing the statement, with only shops and vehicles affected.
However, a subsequent update from the police confirmed that one person had died in the inferno, while another person sustained serious injuries and was receiving medical treatment.
The Command urged residents and motorists to keep away from the affected area and allow emergency responders access to the scene.
It said further information on the incident would be released as verified details become available.
