A video showing the moment some Nigerians scooped fuel from the floor after a tanker overturned has generated several reactions on social media.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows hundreds of Lagosians scooping fuel into gallons while the spillage continued.

According to The Guardian, the incident happened at Tincan Liverpool Bridge, Apapa.

Social media users have raised safety concerns and called for urgent intervention to avoid a disaster.

This is not the first time Nigerians have been caught in such actions.

Recall in October 2025, a fuel tanker overturned and exploded in Nigeria’s northern Niger State, killing at least 35 people.

Aishatu Saadu, the state’s FRSC sector commander, said at the time of the incident that the vehicle skidded off the road and spilled petrol, which ignited shortly after the crash.

TVC News reported that several more people who were injured in the crash were taken to the Federal Medical Centre Bida for medical attention, with Nigeria’s Channels Television reporting that people were suffering from severe burns.

The tanker was transporting petrol from Lagos in northern Nigeria when it crashed, chairman of the Niger State tanker drivers’ association, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, said, adding that some 30 crashes have been recorded on the same route in the month of October alone, and that the high rate of accidents is due to the “deplorable state of the road”.

See how some social media users

Onyeubanatu1 wrote: Many people fail to grasp the profound depths of poverty and what can do to any one! The relentless struggle to survive can drive a human to desperate measures. For those judging these individuals, consider this: we only see ourselves differently because we may have the means to avoid such extreme situations—whether that’s securing our next meal or protecting our loved ones. These people aren’t doing this for fun or leisure; their motivation is simply to survive—to feed their families and find safety. This is highly condemnable! But know this Poverty has the power to override reason and blind us to the dangers that lurk in these desperate struggles, where survival becomes the only thought in your mind. Take your life and work or any legit thing you are doing to not become a victim of POVERTY seriously!

smoothlyrugged commented: "Here we go again one and it's goodbye. Been happening since Oil was discovered in Nigeria, yet here we are."

mo.pearl1 wrote: Free fuel today, hospital bills tomorrow.

lizzynwagbodoh said: "Poverty greed and hopelessness can make one do the unthinkable"

kingclue_ wrote: "Kai. People be risking their lives for food. When poverty engulfs the land. So sad, everyone in that video is few seconds away from an explosion"

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