Cross River fuel tanker explosion leaves at least 12 dead and 38 injured after a fire outbreak in Ndem community, Ogoja LGA

At least 12 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured following a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Ndem community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State on Wednesday, in what has been described as a horrific and chaotic scene.

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The Cross River fuel tanker explosion occurred when a tanker reportedly fell into a nearby river during transloading operations and subsequently burst into flames, engulfing residents who had gathered around the site.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that no fewer than 38 persons were severely affected, with many sustaining life-threatening burns. Several victims were said to have been burnt beyond recognition, underscoring the extreme intensity of the blaze.

Local resident Anthony Ekeni, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, said he counted at least 12 lifeless bodies among the estimated 38 victims.

Among those feared dead are the Chairman of the Ogoja Truckers Association and a recently promoted Assistant Superintendent of Police, whose identity had not yet been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

Emergency response agencies were initially yet to issue a formal statement, while distress spread across the community as rescue efforts unfolded in difficult conditions.

Confirming the incident, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the corpses of the deceased had been evacuated and released to their families, including members of the Hausa Muslim community for burial according to Islamic rites.

Eitokpah added that police units, including the Divisional Traffic Officer and patrol teams, were deployed immediately to secure the area, manage traffic, and assist in evacuation efforts.

He further stated that the scene was cordoned off to prevent additional casualties, while injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Ogoja for urgent treatment. Reinforcements were also deployed to contain the fire and ensure public safety.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transloading process that triggered the explosion, as concerns grow over safety protocols in fuel handling operations.