A video depicting residents scooping fuel from a leaking tanker in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has surfaced on social media, raising fresh concerns over public safety.
The incident reportedly occurred around the City Gate area of Asaba after a tanker developed a leak, causing its contents to spill onto the road.
Rather than fleeing the scene over fears of a possible explosion, dozens of people were seen rushing toward the tanker with buckets, jerrycans, kegs and other containers to collect the leaking fuel. 
Footage circulating online captured men and women crowding around the tanker as they struggled to fill their containers, apparently ignoring the dangers associated with highly flammable petroleum products.
Eyewitnesses said the leaking tanker quickly attracted a large crowd, with many residents taking advantage of the situation to gather free fuel despite the significant risk posed by the spill.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the hazardous behavior and warning that such actions could easily trigger a devastating fire or explosion.Africans & Diaspora
Safety experts have repeatedly cautioned the public against approaching or attempting to collect fuel from damaged tankers, noting that even a small spark from a vehicle, mobile phone, cigarette or any ignition source can ignite spilled fuel and lead to catastrophic consequences.
Fuel tanker accidents have claimed hundreds of lives across Nigeria over the years, particularly in situations where residents gathered to scoop spilled petrol before an explosion occurred.
The latest incident has renewed calls for greater public awareness on the dangers of fuel spills, with many urging motorists and residents to immediately vacate areas where petroleum tankers are leaking and allow emergency responders to secure the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the relevant authorities regarding the incident, and it remained unclear whether emergency personnel were deployed to contain the fuel leak or prevent further danger.
