Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital, were seen scooping fuel from a leaking petroleum tanker near the City Gate area on Thursday, despite the grave risk of fire and explosion.
A video circulating on social media showed scores of people armed with jerrycans, buckets, and other containers rushing to collect the spilling fuel, while others watched from nearby.
The incident has raised serious safety concerns, as petroleum leaks can easily ignite when exposed to naked flames, vehicle engines, electrical sparks, or even static electricity, potentially resulting in a devastating inferno with significant loss of lives and property.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the tanker leak or whether emergency responders were immediately deployed to secure the area and prevent casualties.
Safety experts have consistently warned members of the public against approaching leaking fuel tankers, stressing that such incidents pose extreme danger and should be left to emergency agencies to manage.
The latest incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need for increased public awareness on the hazards associated with fuel tanker accidents and the importance of prioritizing safety over the temptation to recover spilled petroleum products.
Video Credit: Pensioners FM/X, Vanguard
