One dead, another injured as petrol tanker crashes in Cross River

The scene of the petrol tanker crash.

One person has been confirmed dead while another sustained serious injuries in a petroleum tanker inferno opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, Odukpani, Cross River State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2026, when a tanker conveying petroleum product was involved in a road traffic accident, overturned and went up in flames. The fire later 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.”

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The police had initially reported that no death was confirmed at the time of filing the statement, with only shops and vehicles affected.

However, an update on the incident later confirmed that one person died in the inferno while another sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The Command urged members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.

The police spokesman added that further updates will be communicated as verified information becomes available.