Eleven people have sustained burn injuries after a petrol tanker exploded in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, while residents were reportedly scooping fuel from the fallen vehicle.
The incident occurred on Thursday after the tanker reportedly fell earlier in the day and exploded at about 1 pm as people gathered to collect petrol from it.
The injured victims were subsequently taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical treatment.
The incident has sparked reactions on social media, with several Nigerians expressing concern over the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers and criticising those who risk their lives to collect spilled petroleum products.
One social media user argued that the incident was not simply a consequence of poverty, writing, “It is not poverty that makes them scoop petrol, it is stupidity.”
Another user expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such incidents, stating: “I knew this news will come up. Nigerians are too greedy and they risk anything to make immediate needs. The cause of that is nothing but those who are affected by the fire were busy looking for a way to carry free fuel at the cost of risking their lives. Free things will kill plenty Nigerians.”
Another commenter lamented that people continued to engage in the dangerous practice despite previous tragedies, writing, “Dey will still never learn. It been long it has been happening.”
A fourth user expressed a lack of sympathy for those involved, stating, “I have no pity for them.”
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with approaching fallen fuel tankers to scoop petrol. Fuel vapour can ignite from a spark, static electricity or other ignition sources, potentially triggering a devastating fire or explosion.
Residents are advised to stay away from fallen tankers and spilled fuel, keep others away from the scene and alert emergency responders rather than attempting to collect petroleum products.
