12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion

12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that 12 people died in a petrol tanker explosion in Cross River State, following a tragic incident in Ogoja Local Government Area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that the explosion occurred during a fuel transloading operation, which triggered a massive fire outbreak and widespread panic in the area.

According to the police, operatives including the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) and patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area, manage traffic, and prevent further casualties.

“The scene was cordoned off while efforts were made in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to rescue trapped victims and evacuate the injured to the General Hospital, Ogoja,” he said.

Authorities confirmed that the 12 bodies recovered were released to families and relevant authorities, including members of the Hausa Muslim community for burial in line with Islamic rites.

Sources within the community revealed that about 38 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, many of whom are currently receiving treatment following the Cross River tanker explosion.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
• Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead
• Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker reportedly fell into a nearby river during transloading, igniting a fire that spread rapidly and engulfed residents and bystanders.

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a soldier and a police officer were among those injured, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

The police said additional reinforcements were deployed to contain the situation, restrict access to the affected area, and ensure public safety.

A full investigation into the tanker explosion in Ogoja is ongoing to determine both the immediate and remote causes, particularly the circumstances surrounding the fuel transfer process.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria, especially those linked to unsafe fuel handling and transloading practices.

Safety experts have continued to warn that poor regulation, weak enforcement, and risky roadside fuel transfers remain major causes of recurring tanker explosions across the country.

The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety enforcement, improved tanker operations, and public awareness to prevent future disasters.

12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion