Dramatic footage has captured desperate residents gathering spilled fuel beneath an overturned tanker in Nigeria, in scenes that have sparked fears of a catastrophic explosion.
The incident unfolded on March 19, 2026, at Liverpool Bridge in Lagos, where a tanker overturned and began leaking diesel onto the roadway above.
Instead of fleeing the danger, dozens of people were seen rushing beneath the bridge, armed with buckets, bowls, and plastic containers, scooping up the fuel as it poured down.
The chaotic scenes show crowds clustering dangerously close together, seemingly unaware, or unwilling to acknowledge, the extreme risk posed by the highly flammable liquid.
Experts warn that just a single spark, from a cigarette, a vehicle, or even static electricity, could ignite the fumes and trigger a deadly inferno.
The incident highlights the harsh realities faced by many in the region, where soaring fuel prices have left residents struggling to afford basic necessities.
Reports indicate diesel prices have surged beyond $1 per liter following subsidy cuts, placing enormous strain on households and pushing some to take extreme risks.
Observers say the footage is a stark illustration of desperation, with individuals willing to gamble their lives for access to fuel.
The danger is not theoretical.
In 2024, a similar situation in Majia ended in tragedy when a tanker explosion killed at least 153 people after crowds gathered to collect spilled fuel.
