Tanker explodes on new Ikom Bridge in Cross River
Atanker conveying diesel has exploded into flames on the new Ikom Bridge in Cross River State.
The Ikom Bridge was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 23, 2023. The Guardian gathered that the explosion occurred at about 10: 00p. m., on Tuesday night.
Sources said the tanker driver lost control of the steering, resulting in its falling and bursting into flames.
One of the sources, Elijah Ugani, said: "A truck conveying diesel lost control, fell and blocked the newly constructed bridge. Vehicles are currently using the old bridge."
At press time, it is yet to be ascertained if there was damage on the bridge or loss of life.
But a source from the office of the Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, who pleaded anonymity, said a team from the ministry has been sent to ascertain the level of damage and to remove the burnt truck to clear the bridge for usage.
The source said while the ministry takes time to test the bridge if it's fit for use, the old bridge will serve as an alternative for vehicular movement.
"We have sent our people to do evaluation to look at the incident. I think people are just exaggerating things. It will take some time to carry out a test on the bridge but for now we are looking for a way to clear off the vehicle that got burnt for people to use the bridge.
"Also, there is an alternative bridge that people can use. We are looking for ways to see how it will be accessible for people to be moving around while we access the new bridge but as it stands now, the old bridge is actually okay for people to use," the source said.
Meanwhile, the State Fire Service in Ikom is yet to speak on the matter despite several calls sent to them.
Recall that this year alone, Ikom Local Council has recorded five cases of fire incidents.
The first incident arose from bush fire, which burnt down Steady Flow College of Education in Akparabong on January 16.
The second was on March 7, when a 42- room apartment located at 9 Deeper Life Church Road, Four Corners, was razed down, while the third fire happened on
March 27, when a fuel tanker carrying diesel worth over N50 million busted up in flames along Calabar Road by County Specialist Hospital, 4 Corners, consuming 32 motorcycles and 29 shops.
The fourth was the burning of Ikom Market on April 8, which affected over five lines and 620 shops.