Two persons have been confirmed dead while two others sustained critical injuries following a tanker fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday after a tanker conveying diesel reportedly collided with a stationary truck, triggering a fire that also affected nearby shops.
The Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Efa Nyong, led a joint assessment team comprising officials of CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to the scene.
The team was received and taken around the affected areas by the Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council, Hon. Etim Asido, who provided details of the incident and the extent of damage recorded.
The assessment team observed the impact of the fire on the surrounding shops and other property, while the Cross River State Fire Service continued efforts at the scene to completely contain the inferno.
Speaking at the scene, Hon. Asido commended the Fire Service for its prompt response and appreciated the State Government and CR-SEMA for swiftly responding to the incident.
Nyong sympathised with the families of the deceased and the injured, as well as business owners whose shops were affected by the fire.
He assured the affected persons that the State Government, through CR-SEMA and relevant stakeholders, would continue to assess the situation and explore appropriate interventions.
Following the assessment, the Odukpani Council Chairman led the team to an Apostolic Church close to the scene, where prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the situation having been brought under control and for the prevention of a more devastating outcome.
By David Asu
