Panic as fuel tanker catches fire, destroys shops, vehicles in Cross River

A tanker conveying petroleum products caught fire on Sunday after it was involved in a road accident opposite the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State.

The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, after the tanker reportedly overturned during the accident, triggering a fire that spread to nearby shops and buildings.

Several shops were destroyed in the inferno, while some vehicles were also affected.

The tanker driver, who was reportedly trapped inside the vehicle after the fire started, was rescued and taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to the scene to secure the area and prevent further harm.

The Command said the Fire Service had also been alerted and was expected to deploy personnel to contain and extinguish the fire.

As of the time of filing this report, no death has been confirmed.

However, the police said a number of shops and vehicles had been affected by the inferno.

The Command urged residents and motorists to keep away from the immediate area and allow emergency responders unhindered access to the scene.

It also advised members of the public to exercise caution around the area because of the risk posed by the burning petroleum tanker.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said further updates would be released as verified information became available.

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