A devastating tanker fire occurred on Sunday morning near the Odukpani Local Government Area Secretariat in Cross River State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of two people. The incident involved two tankers conveying petroleum products that collided and burst into flames. The fire destroyed several shops and parked vehicles in the vicinity. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a road traffic accident based on preliminary findings.
According to the police, the collision triggered a fire that spread to nearby shops and buildings. A conductor of one of the tankers died on the spot, while the driver, who was hospitalized, was later confirmed dead. The police statement, signed by spokesperson ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, reported that two tanker trucks were involved in the accident. Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to the scene to maintain safety and secure the area.
The state Fire Service was alerted to deploy personnel to contain and extinguish the fire. The police advised members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene. A joint assessment team, comprising officials of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, visited the scene to assess the extent of damage.
The Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, led the team, which inspected the affected shops and other property as the Cross River State Fire Service continued efforts to completely extinguish the fire. The team was received by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Mr. Etim Asido, who provided details of the incident and the extent of the damage.
Nyong sympathized with the families of the deceased and injured persons, as well as business owners whose shops and property were affected by the fire. He assured the victims that the state government, through CR-SEMA and other relevant stakeholders, would continue to assess the situation and explore appropriate interventions.
Asido commended the Fire Service for its prompt response and appreciated the state government and CR-SEMA for their swift intervention. The incident highlights the need for caution and safety measures on the roads, particularly in the transportation of petroleum products. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tanker fire has caused significant disruptions to businesses and daily activities in the area. The state government and emergency management agencies are working together to provide support to those affected and to mitigate the impact of the incident. Further updates on the situation are expected as more information becomes available.
Key points
- Two people were killed in the tanker fire incident.
- The fire destroyed several shops and parked vehicles in the vicinity.
- Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
