Residents of Benin City, Edo State, created a dangerous scene on Tuesday as they rushed to a fallen diesel tanker to collect the leaked fuel. The incident occurred at Ikpoba slope, a known area for heavy traffic and challenging conditions for large vehicles.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fully loaded tanker lost control and overturned while navigating the slope. Almost immediately after the accident, crowds from nearby communities descended on the scene with jerry cans, buckets, and other containers to scoop up the diesel.

Despite the significant safety hazards, including the risk of fire from the fuel fumes, many residents were seen collecting diesel directly from the road and drainage. One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “Fuel is expensive these days, so this is a blessing for us.”

Authorities have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of the situation, noting that the presence of so many people near spilled diesel could lead to a catastrophic fire. The incident highlights the lengths to which individuals may go in response to rising fuel prices, often disregarding their safety in the process.