The death toll from Wednesday's petrol tanker explosion in Ndem community, Ogoja Local Council of Cross River State, has risen to 14, as the state Police Command outlined its emergency response. The petrol-laden tanker lost control, plunged off a bridge and exploded, leaving multiple fatalities and scores injured.
Incident Details
The incident occurred near a stream used by residents for daily domestic activities, including fetching water and bathing, with the presence of villagers contributing to the scale of casualties. Eyewitnesses said the truck veered off the bridge before overturning, triggering a fireball that engulfed people nearby. Several bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene as horrific, noting that the stream serves as a central water source for the community.
Police Response
The Police Command said the Divisional Traffic Officer in Ogoja, alongside patrol teams, responded promptly to secure the area and manage traffic. Authorities stated that the scene was cordoned off to prevent further casualties, while rescue efforts were carried out with relevant stakeholders to assist trapped victims and evacuate the injured. The injured were taken to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for treatment.
Police further disclosed that the situation escalated during transloading operations, when a fire outbreak prompted the deployment of additional reinforcements to contain the blaze and ensure public safety. The affected area was subsequently secured, with access restricted to minimise risks.
Casualties and Investigations
The command said the 14 recovered bodies comprise 10 victims of the fire and four from the initial crash. Police sources added that the remains have been handed over to appropriate authorities and families, including the Hausa Muslim community for burial in line with Islamic rites.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the explosion, particularly the circumstances surrounding the transloading process. The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of fuel transportation and the exposure of communities located along major transit routes.
