At Choba Junction along the East–West Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after a fuel-laden tanker overturned on Sunday night.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker, heavily loaded with petrol, lost balance and fell, spilling its content across the busy highway. In the aftermath, scores of residents stormed the scene with jerrycans and buckets to scoop fuel, ignoring the grave danger of fire or explosion.
Videos circulating online showed men and women rushing with containers as traffic built up on the road. No official statement has yet been released by the Rivers State police, fire service or the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), but concerns remain over the possibility of casualties.
The incident mirrors several past fuel-related disasters in Nigeria. In January 2025, over 100 lives were lost in Niger State when a tanker explosion erupted after people gathered to scoop petrol from a leaking truck.
Authorities have been urged to cordon off the scene and enforce safety measures to avert another tragedy.
