Petrol Tanker in Cross River Has Claim  One Life, Injures Another as Fire Spreads to Shops.

Petrol Tanker in Cross River Has Claim  One Life, Injures Another as Fire Spreads to Shops.

One person has died and another sustained serious injuries after a petrol tanker overturned and caught fire opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State.

The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, after the tanker, which was conveying petroleum products, was involved in a road traffic accident and overturned. The resulting fire spread to nearby shops and buildings, according to the Cross River State Police Command.

The police initially reported that no death had been confirmed, while the tanker driver, who was caught in the fire, was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention. An update later confirmed that one person had died in the inferno, while another sustained serious injuries and remained under medical care.

Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to the scene to secure the area, protect residents and prevent further casualties. The Fire Service was also alerted to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading further.

The command urged residents and motorists to keep away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene. Authorities also indicated that further information would be released as it is verified.

The latest incident has again drawn attention to the dangers associated with petroleum tanker accidents on Nigerian roads, particularly when crashes occur close to commercial areas and populated communities. Odukpani has previously witnessed major tanker-related tragedies, including a deadly 2019 explosion that killed scores of people after a tanker overturned along the Calabar Odukpani axis.

For the latest incident, however, authorities have so far confirmed one death and one serious injury, while investigations and emergency response efforts continue.