Residents rushed to scoop diesel after a tanker carrying about 24,000 litres of diesel overturned on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass Expressway in Kaduna State on Saturday morning.
The tanker reportedly lost control while attempting to manoeuvre around a Toyota Hilux before falling on the expressway.
Although no death was recorded in the incident, diesel began spilling heavily from the tanker after its cover was removed, attracting residents who gathered around the scene with jerry cans, plates and other containers to collect the product.
Some of those involved said economic hardship pushed them to take advantage of the incident.
A 25-year-old student of Kaduna State University, identified as Ruth Baba, said she was collecting the diesel in the hope of raising money for her school fees.
According to her, she has no one to assist her financially following the death of her parents, making the situation an opportunity to support her education.
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Another resident, identified as Josee Bande, 45, said he needed the diesel to raise money for food and other household expenses.
He explained that his family was hungry and that proceeds from what he was able to collect could help him pay his rent and purchase food.
Meanwhile, the tanker driver was reportedly in stable condition following the accident.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Kaduna Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were reportedly unanswered and he did not respond to a text message.
The incident highlights both the dangers associated with tanker accidents and the desperate economic conditions that can drive residents to approach spilled petroleum products despite the potential safety risks.
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