Tanker fire claims 2, destroys shops in Cross River

Two fatalities resulted from a tanker fire that engulfed two petroleum trucks, which collided and exploded near the Odukpani Local Government Area Secretariat in Cross River State on Sunday morning. The Cross River State Police Command described the incident as a road traffic accident based on initial investigations. The command reported that one tanker driver died at the scene, while the other driver was hospitalized and later confirmed dead, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to two.

Police officers from the Odukpani Division were present to secure the area and ensure public safety, while the Cross River State Fire Service was called to control and extinguish the fire.

A joint assessment team, consisting of officials from the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, visited the scene to evaluate the damage. The team, led by CR-SEMA Director-General Mr. Efa Nyong, inspected damaged shops and other property, while the Cross River State Fire Service worked tirelessly to fully extinguish the blaze.

The team was welcomed by Odukpani Local Government Council Chairman Mr. Etim Asido, who guided them around the affected areas and provided details of the incident and the extent of the damage.

Asido expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured persons, as well as to business owners who suffered losses due to the fire. He praised the Fire Service for their swift response and thanked the state government and CR-SEMA for their prompt intervention, assuring the affected parties that the state government, through CR-SEMA and other relevant agencies, would continue to assess the situation and explore appropriate measures to address the aftermath.