One person has been confirmed dead and another seriously injured after a petroleum tanker overturned and burst into flames in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2026, opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat, when the tanker, reportedly carrying petroleum products, was involved in a road accident, overturned and caught fire.
The flames subsequently spread to nearby shops and buildings, causing damage to properties in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Cross River State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, said officers from the Odukpani Division had been deployed to secure the scene and protect residents and other road users.
According to the police, the tanker driver was trapped in the fire but was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The statement said preliminary information initially indicated that no death had been recorded, although several shops and vehicles were affected by the inferno.
However, a subsequent update from the Command confirmed that one person had died in the incident, while another person sustained serious injuries and was receiving medical attention.
The police also said the Fire Service had been alerted and was expected to deploy personnel and equipment to contain the fire and prevent further damage.
The Command appealed to members of the public to stay away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.
The police assured the public that further information would be released as verified details emerge.
