Truck conveying petrol catches fire, burns shops, vehicles in Calabar
A tanker truck transporting petroleum products caught fire on Sunday after overturning in a road accident near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State. The incident, which took place on October 4, 2026, resulted in the destruction of several shops and damage to nearby vehicles.
First responders reported that the tanker driver, who was trapped in the truck, was rescued and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that officers from the Odukpani Division were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and mitigate further risks. The Fire Service was also notified and is expected to deploy personnel to extinguish the flames.
As of the latest information, there have been no confirmed fatalities, though numerous shops and vehicles were impacted by the fire. The police advised residents and motorists to avoid the immediate vicinity to allow emergency responders to work effectively.
Additionally, the public was urged to exercise caution while in the area due to potential hazards posed by the burning tanker.
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata stated that further updates would be communicated as new information becomes available.
