Fuel Tanker inferno leaves 38 burnt, 12 dead in Cross River

Fuel Tanker Explosion in Cross River State Claims Lives

Ogoja, Cross River State — A fuel tanker exploded on Wednesday in the Ndem community, affecting at least 38 individuals and resulting in multiple fatalities. Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker fell into a nearby river during transloading operations before igniting a fire that engulfed residents gathered at the scene.

As of this report, at least 12 bodies have been confirmed dead, with many victims sustaining severe burns, some reportedly unrecognizable. Eyewitness Anthony Ekeni indicated that he counted approximately 38 victims, including those deceased.

Among the victims feared dead is the Chairman of the Ogoja Truckers Association, as well as a recently promoted Assistant Superintendent of Police. Their identities remain to be confirmed.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident and stated that the bodies had been recovered and handed over to relevant authorities and families, including members of the Hausa Muslim community, for burial according to Islamic customs.

Eitokpah expressed the police’s profound sorrow over the tragedy, noting that both the Divisional Traffic Officer in Ogoja and patrol teams were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and manage traffic.

“The scene was cordoned off to prevent further casualties, while efforts were initiated in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to rescue trapped individuals and transport the injured to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for treatment,” he said.

Reinforcements were later deployed to contain the blaze and ensure public safety, with access to the area restricted. An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the incident, particularly regarding the circumstances that led to the explosion during the transloading process.

Emergency response agencies have not yet released an official statement as of this report.

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