Tanker Inferno Claims Two Lives, Destroys Shops and Vehicles Near Calabar

A tanker fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has claimed two lives and left two others critically injured after a diesel-laden tanker caught fire near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the Odukpani area along the Calabar-Odukpani corridor. Initial reports indicated that the tanker was involved in a collision with a stationary truck before overturning and bursting into flames.

The resulting inferno spread rapidly from the tanker to nearby commercial premises, destroying several shops, goods and vehicles. The fire also affected other structures around the scene, causing significant property losses for traders and residents in the area.

The Cross River State Government later confirmed that two people died in the incident, while two others sustained critical injuries. The confirmation was contained in an update on the disaster issued through the state government’s information platform.

The tanker driver was reportedly trapped in the burning vehicle but was eventually rescued and taken to a hospital for medical treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed in the official state government account.

The Cross River State Police Command deployed officers from the Odukpani Division to the scene to secure the area, maintain order and prevent further danger to residents and motorists. Emergency responders also moved in to contain the fire.

The Cross River State Fire Service was involved in efforts to bring the blaze under control, while the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) later commenced an assessment of the damage. The agency’s Director-General, Efa Nyong, led an assessment team comprising CR-SEMA and Nigerian Red Cross officials.

The assessment team was received by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Etim Asido, who took officials around the affected locations and provided information on the extent of the damage. The Fire Service was still working at the scene as officials assessed the affected properties.

Nyong expressed sympathy to the families of those who died, the injured victims and business owners whose shops and goods were destroyed. He said the state government, through CR-SEMA and other relevant agencies, would continue assessing the situation and consider appropriate interventions for those affected.

Authorities have consequently urged residents, traders and motorists to keep away from the affected area and allow emergency personnel unrestricted access. The incident has again highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of tanker accidents and petroleum-product transportation around densely populated and commercially active communities.