Dozens Feared Dead After A Tanker Explosion In Cross River

Many people may have died after the explosion of an oil tanker when people discovered fuel leaks.

The explosion occurred on Friday evening in Odukpani, in the state of Cross River in southeastern Nigeria.

“The number of victims is high,” but “I can not confirm the exact number,” said Irene Ugbo,  spokeswoman of the  state police.

Resident Akpan Imon said at least 18 people were killed. “I counted 18 corpses, including the burnt women and children who were burned beyond recognition,” he said.

“I think the number of victims could be higher because people from neighboring communities gathered at the scene of the accident,” he added.

Sunday Ibor, another resident, said “more than 20 bodies”. we removed

The wounded were evacuated to the University Hospital of Calabar for more or less severe burns.

Tanker and pipeline explosions are common in Nigeria, fire and explosions often occur when people try to source oil from oil pipelines or when oil tankers land on poorly maintained highways.

The cause of the accident was not clear.

About a year ago, more than 30 residents of the same village were burned while scooping an oil tanker involved in an accident.

The worst accident in Nigeria occurred in 1998, when more than 1,000 people died in the explosion of the oil pipeline.