Two people have died and two others were critically injured after a diesel tanker caught fire in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to Channels Television, the incident occurred near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat after the tanker reportedly collided with a stationary truck and overturned.
The crash triggered a fire that spread to nearby shops and other structures.
Driver rescued from burning tanker
The tanker driver became trapped inside the vehicle following the collision.
Emergency responders, however, rescued him from the burning tanker and took him to hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that two people died in the incident while two others sustained critical injuries.
The fire also destroyed several shops, goods and vehicles in the area.
Fire service battles blaze
Police officers from the Odukpani Division were deployed to secure the scene while personnel of the Cross River State Fire Service worked to contain the fire.
The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Efa Nyong, later led an assessment team to the affected area.
Officials from the Nigerian Red Cross Society also participated in the assessment.
Odukpani council chairman Etim Asido received the team and briefed officials on the extent of the damage.
Authorities warn residents
Nyong expressed sympathy with the families of those killed and injured as well as business owners who lost property.
He said the state government would continue assessing the damage and consider appropriate interventions for those affected.
Authorities also advised residents, traders and motorists to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency personnel unrestricted access.
