(DDM) — A viral video has captured residents in Ibadan scooping fuel from an overturned tanker, raising fresh concerns over public safety and the recurring dangers associated with such incidents.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows large crowds gathering around the fallen tanker with containers, attempting to collect spilled fuel despite the obvious risks.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred shortly after the tanker lost control and overturned, spilling its contents onto the road and attracting nearby residents.
Security and emergency officials have repeatedly warned against this practice, describing it as highly dangerous due to the risk of explosions and fire outbreaks.
Experts note that fuel vapour is extremely flammable, and even a minor spark could trigger a catastrophic explosion capable of causing mass casualties.
According to safety reports, similar incidents across Nigeria have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent years, often when crowds attempt to scoop fuel from accident scenes.
Authorities say the persistence of the practice is driven by economic hardship, lack of awareness, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
Public safety advocates are now calling for stricter laws to criminalise the act, arguing that stronger penalties could deter individuals from engaging in such life-threatening behaviour.
The Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies have intensified campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.
They urge residents to maintain a safe distance and allow emergency responders to manage such situations professionally.
Community leaders in Oyo State have also expressed concern, emphasizing the need for continuous sensitisation, especially in densely populated areas where such incidents are more likely to attract crowds.
Meanwhile, emergency responders are said to have eventually secured the scene, preventing escalation and ensuring that no immediate explosion occurred.
However, the incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and coordinated response strategies to prevent avoidable tragedies.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tanker accident, Nigerians are being reminded that the short-term gain of scooping fuel is not worth the potentially fatal consequences.
