Several youths narrowly escaped harm on Thursday after rushing to the scene of an overturned fuel tanker in Irua, Esan West local government of Edo State to scoop its content.
A viral video showed concerned citizens at the busy Benin-Abuja highway dissuading some of the youths from approaching the tanker, warning of the potential dangers.
The accident occurred in an area with dense vegetation, which could have led to a major fire disaster. Despite the warning, some individuals ignored the advice and continued collecting fuel.
There were no security personnel at the scene to prevent the crowd from scooping the premium motor spirit (petrol) that spilled from the tanker.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, Emma Yamu for comments were unsuccessful.
Tanker accidents have become increasingly common across the country, prompting stakeholders to call for more public awareness about the dangers of handling flammable substances.
