By Kelvin Ololo
Panic and devastation gripped Ndem community in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State following a deadly explosion involving a petrol-laden truck that reportedly lost control and crashed off a bridge, leaving scores dead.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, triggered a massive fireball after the truck overturned and burst into flames, leaving scores of victims roasting in the inferno.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion happened near a stream commonly used by residents as a primary source of water for domestic activities, including fetching and bathing. The presence of people around the area at the time of the incident is believed to have worsened the casualty figures.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told CrossRiverWatch that the location is usually busy.
“This stream is where people come every day to fetch water and children also bathe there. When the explosion happened, many people were around,” the source said.
Another source, also speaking anonymously, alleged that no fewer than 38 persons were affected in the inferno, with several victims burnt beyond recognition. Among those feared dead are said to be the Chairman of the Ogoja Truckers Association and a recently promoted Assistant Superintendent of Police whose name is withheld (for editorial purpose).
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders were yet to issue an official statement, while efforts to confirm the exact number of casualties were ongoing.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of fuel transportation and the risks posed to communities located near major transit routes.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, ASP Sunday Eitokpah said the Command received the tragic incident with grief.
ASP Sunday said following the unfortunate incident the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) Ogoja and patrol teams were promptly mobilized to the scene to secure the area and manage traffic.
“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.
He added that following the outbreak of fire during transloading operations, additional reinforcements were deployed to contain the situation, ensure public safety, and prevent escalation.
“The affected area was further secured and access restricted. Corpses of the deceased numbering about 12 in numbers were evacuated and released to appropriate authorities/families, including the Hausa Muslim community for burial in line with Islamic rites.”
The Police Spokesman disclosed that an in vestigation into the incident is ongoing to ascertain the remote and immediate causes, particularly the circumstances surrounding the transloading process that led to the explosion.
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