One person has been confirmed dead, while another suffered serious injuries, in a petroleum tanker fire opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, Odukpani, Cross River State.
The incident took place on Saturday, October 4, 2026, when a tanker carrying petroleum product was involved in a road traffic accident, overturned, and burst into flames. The fire subsequently spread to nearby shops and buildings.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Cross River State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said its officers have been deployed to the scene to secure the area and ensure public safety.
The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command is aware of a fire incident currently occurring opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, Odukpani, Cross River State, today, 4 October 2026.
“Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that a tanker truck conveying petroleum product was involved in a road traffic accident and overturned in the process, resulting in the fire, which has spread to nearby shops and buildings.
“The driver of the tanker, who was reportedly caught in the fire, has been rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“Police officers from Odukpani Division are currently at the scene to maintain safety, secure the area, and prevent further harm to members of the public. The Fire Service has also been alerted for immediate deployment to contain and extinguish the fire.”
At the time the statement was filed, the police had initially said that no death had been confirmed, with only shops and vehicles affected.
However, a later update on the incident confirmed that one person lost their life in the inferno, while another suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
The Command called on members of the public to avoid the immediate area and to give emergency responders unobstructed access to the scene.
The police spokesman added that more updates will be shared once verified information becomes available.
