By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -A Petroleum tanker fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State has claimed two lives while two others sustained critical injuries.
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.
The assessment team observed the impact of the fire on the surrounding shops and other property, while the Cross River State Fire Service intensified 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.
The State Police Command through its Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), ASP Sunday Akata had earlier informed that Police officers from Odukpani were at the scene to maintain safety, secure the area and prevent further harm to members of the public.