A devastating fire broke out in Cross River State, Nigeria, on Sunday, after a petroleum tanker overturned and caught fire opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat. The inferno resulted in the death of one person, while another sustained serious injuries. The police spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that the tanker was carrying petroleum products when it was involved in a road crash and overturned, triggering the fire.
The fire affected several shops, buildings, and vehicles around the scene, causing widespread damage. Police officers from the Odukpani Division were quickly deployed to the scene to maintain safety, secure the area, and prevent further harm to members of the public. The fire service was also alerted to deploy personnel to contain and extinguish the fire. The police initially reported that no death had been confirmed, but later confirmed that one person had died and another was receiving medical treatment.
The driver of the tanker, who was reportedly caught in the fire, was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention. The identities of the victims were not immediately disclosed. The police urged residents, motorists, and other members of the public to stay away from the immediate area to allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene. This incident is just one of many recent fire emergencies recorded in the state.
According to the state fire service, 17 fire incidents were recorded across the state between January and September 2026, resulting in an estimated N2.5 billion in property losses and six injuries. The incidents included a tanker spill, highlighting the risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products in the state. The state has recently witnessed a major fire at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, which affected several businesses and reportedly destroyed property worth billions of naira.
The federal government subsequently approved N515 million in relief for affected business owners, Channels TV reported. Authorities have continued to urge residents to exercise caution and allow emergency agencies unhindered access during fire emergencies. The government has emphasized the importance of safety and emergency preparedness in the face of such incidents.
The police and other emergency responders are working to determine the cause of the fire and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the transportation of petroleum products in the state and the need for emergency responders to be equipped to handle such incidents. An investigation into the incident is likely to be conducted.
The state government has expressed condolences to the family of the victim and assured the public that everything is being done to prevent such incidents in the future. The government has also urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The incident has highlighted the need for emergency preparedness and response in the state.
Key points
- One person died and another sustained serious injuries in a petroleum tanker fire in Cross River State, Nigeria.
- The fire affected several shops, buildings, and vehicles, causing widespread damage.
- The incident is part of a series of recent fire emergencies recorded in the state, with 17 incidents reported between January and September 2026.
