One person has died, and another sustained serious injuries after a petrol tanker overturned and burst into flames in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2026, opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, when the tanker, which was carrying petroleum products, was involved in a road accident.
The crash triggered a fire that spread to nearby shops and buildings.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, said security personnel had been deployed to the area to protect residents and prevent further danger.
The command said, “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.”
According to the police, the tanker driver was rescued after being trapped in the fire and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The command added that officers from the Odukpani Division were at the scene to secure the area and control access while the Fire Service was contacted to tackle the blaze.
An initial police report had indicated that no death had been confirmed, with the fire reportedly affecting shops and vehicles.
However, a subsequent update from the command confirmed that one person had died, while another victim was seriously injured and remained in hospital.
The police urged residents and other members of the public to keep away from the affected area and allow emergency responders to operate without obstruction.
The command said additional information would be released as soon as it was verified.
