Two killed as diesel tanker fire destroys shops in Cross River

Two people have died and two others were critically injured after a diesel tanker caught fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, authorities said. The incident occurred early on Sunday near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat. According to the available account, the tanker collided with a stationary truck, overturned and caught fire.

The flames spread to nearby shops and structures. Several shops, goods and vehicles were destroyed in the fire. The tanker driver became trapped inside the vehicle but was rescued and taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The source material does not identify the other casualties. Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to secure the scene and manage the situation. The Cross River State Fire Service also responded and continued efforts to contain the blaze completely.

Efa Nyong, director-general of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, later led a joint assessment team to the area. The team included officials from CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Odukpani council chairman Etim Asido received the team, took officials around the affected areas and briefed them on the incident and the extent of the damage.

As the assessment was under way, firefighters continued work at the scene. Asido commended the Fire Service for its response and thanked the state government and CR-SEMA for their intervention. Nyong expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and were injured, as well as to traders whose businesses and goods were affected.

Nyong said the state government would continue assessing the situation through CR-SEMA and other stakeholders and would explore appropriate interventions. Authorities advised residents, traders and motorists to stay away from the affected area and allow emergency responders to work. The incident has renewed concerns in the supplied report about the risks associated with tanker movements near commercial areas and communities along major roads in Cross River.