Tanker fire in Cross River kills one and injures another

One person died and another sustained serious injuries after a petroleum tanker overturned and caught fire in Odukpani, Cross River State, police said. The incident occurred on Sunday opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat. Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah said the tanker was carrying petroleum products when it crashed and overturned, triggering the blaze.

The fire spread to several shops, buildings and vehicles near the scene. In an initial update, Eitokpah said the tanker driver, who had reportedly been caught in the fire, was rescued and taken to hospital for treatment. Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to secure the area, protect members of the public and prevent further harm, according to Eitokpah’s statement.

The fire service was also alerted to send personnel to contain and extinguish the flames. Police initially said no death had been confirmed, although property around the scene had been affected. In a subsequent update, Eitokpah confirmed that one person had died and another had suffered serious injuries.

The identities of the victims were not immediately disclosed. Authorities urged residents, motorists and other members of the public to stay away from the immediate area so emergency responders could reach the scene without obstruction. The incident was reported amid a series of fire emergencies in the state.

The state fire service said in September that 17 fire incidents had been recorded across Cross River between January and September 2026, causing estimated property losses of N2.5 billion and six injuries. Those incidents included a tanker spill, according to the fire service.