By Ghazali Ibrahim
Residents have been spotted scooping fuel from a fallen tanker along the Sapele-Warri Road in Delta State, exposing themselves to the risk of a possible fire or explosion.
A video of the incident circulating on social media on Tuesday showed people gathering around the fallen tanker with buckets, jerrycans and other containers to collect the spilled petroleum product.
The activity has raised concerns over the safety of residents and other road users, given the danger associated with fuel spills and the possibility of ignition.
According to reports, no explosion had been recorded at the scene as of the time the incident was reported.
Fuel scooping from fallen tankers remains a recurring safety concern in Nigeria, where similar incidents have resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
In October 2023, a tanker explosion along the Warri-Benin Road in Delta State reportedly killed five people and destroyed several vehicles.
Petrol is highly flammable, and spilled fuel can ignite when exposed to a spark or other ignition source. Gathering around an accident scene to collect fuel can therefore turn a road accident into a major disaster.
Residents are advised to keep away from fallen tankers and spilled fuel and allow emergency responders to secure the area.
