The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of twelve individuals following a petrol tanker explosion in the Ogoja Local Government Area. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has left dozens more injured and cast a pall over the local community.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, detailed the sequence of events during a telephone briefing, noting that the disaster was triggered during a precarious “transloading” operation.
Upon receiving reports of the explosion, the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) for Ogoja, alongside several patrol teams, was swiftly mobilised to the scene. The immediate priority was to secure the perimeter and manage the ensuing traffic chaos to prevent further loss of life.
“The scene was cordoned off to prevent further casualties, while efforts were made in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to rescue trapped victims and evacuate the injured to General Hospital, Ogoja, for medical attention,” ASP Sunday stated.
As the fire intensified during the transfer of fuel, additional police reinforcements were deployed to contain the conflagration and restrict public access to the hazardous area.
While the police have officially confirmed twelve fatalities, local sources suggest the human toll may be broader, with approximately 38 persons reportedly suffering varying degrees of burns and injuries. Among those injured are a soldier and a police officer, though these reports remain unconfirmed by official channels.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated and released to their respective families and the appropriate authorities. ASP Sunday confirmed that members of the Hausa Muslim community were among the bereaved, and victims were released to them to ensure burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Preliminary reports indicate that the ill-fated tanker lost its balance and plunged into a nearby river during the transloading process. The subsequent ignition created a firestorm that engulfed residents and bystanders in the immediate vicinity.
The Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain both the “remote and immediate” causes of the explosion. Investigators are expected to scrutinise the safety protocols or lack thereof, surrounding the transloading process that led to such a significant loss of life.
The General Hospital in Ogoja remains on high alert as medical staff continue to treat the survivors of the blast, many of whom remain in critical condition.
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