Lagos residents scoop diesel from overturned tanker in Apapa
A crowd of Lagos residents was seen scooping diesel from an overturned tanker in the Apapa area of Lagos State, in a video that has circulated widely on social media and raised serious concerns about public safety. The incident occurred when a diesel tanker reportedly overturned on a busy road, prompting residents to gather around the spilt fuel. Instead of keeping their distance, many began collecting the diesel in containers, with some even filling drums and jerrycans, despite the clear risks associated with being near leaking fuel.
The video shows people moving close to the tanker and the spilled diesel, a behaviour that safety experts say is dangerous and can lead to fires, explosions, or harmful health effects from inhaling fuel vapour. Officials in previous similar incidents across Nigeria have repeatedly warned that spilled petroleum is highly flammable and that static electricity or a simple spark from a cigarette can trigger a catastrophic blaze when people try to collect the product.
In response to the incident, Lagos State emergency responders and traffic officials were reportedly mobilised to the scene to manage the situation, redirect traffic and prevent further hazards. Residents around Apapa have also been urged to stay clear of the area until the road is cleared and the spilled fuel has been safely dealt with by trained personnel.
The behaviour captured in the video reflects ongoing challenges in many urban communities where economic hardship and fuel scarcity sometimes drive people to take extreme risks. Authorities have used similar events to call for stronger public awareness and enforcement of safety protocols, especially around accidents involving petroleum tankers.
While the video has drawn attention online, Lagos State officials and safety advocates continue to emphasise the importance of avoiding dangerous actions like scooping fuel from a spill, urging citizens to prioritise their safety and allow emergency teams to handle such situations.
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