Tanker inferno kills one, razes shops, vehicles in Cross River

A petroleum tanker has overturned and exploded into flames opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State on Sunday, killing one ,razing shops and vehicles and leaving its driver in hospital.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, leading to the death of one person while another was seriously injured and receiving treatment at a medical facility

Confirming the incident in a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the tanker, loaded with petroleum product, was involved in a road accident and overturned, triggering a fire that spread to nearby shops and buildings.

“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,” Akata said.

The driver, who was reportedly trapped in the flames, was pulled out and rushed to a medical facility.

“The driver of the tanker, who was reportedly caught in the fire, has been rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention,” he stated.

Akata said no deaths had been recorded at the time of filing the report, although a number of shops and vehicles were affected.

“As at the time of filing this report, one  death has been confirmed. Another person was also seriously injured. Also, a number of shops and vehicles have reportedly been affected by the fire,” he said.

“Officers from the Odukpani Divisional Police Headquarters have been deployed to the scene to maintain order, secure the area and prevent further harm to residents and passersby.

The Fire Service, according to the police, has also been alerted for immediate deployment to contain and put out the fire.

The Command urged residents to keep away from the area to allow emergency workers unhindered access.

“The Command urges members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene,” Akata said.

He added that further updates would be made available as verified information emerges.