Safety warning

Safety expert Timothy Iwuagwu warns Nigerians against scooping spilt fuel at accident scenes to prevent explosions.

“Keep away, keep away”

Recent tanker fires

A petrol tanker caught fire in Oluku, Benin City, Edo State, as residents scooped spilt fuel.

Explosion risk

Fuel vapour could ignite when it comes into contact with an ignition source, even from a considerable distance.

Death toll

The Federal Road Safety Corps reported 411 people died in 2024 while scooping fuel from crash sites.

Tanker design flaws

Tankers should have internal baffles to reduce liquid movement inside the tank, particularly when traveling on uneven roads.

Inadequate inspections

Safety professionals rarely involved in inspections, with many tankers imported without adequate scrutiny of safety features.

Rail transport alternative

Transporting petroleum products by rail would reduce risks of transporting highly flammable materials on roads.

Aleto pipeline explosion

Residents of Aleto called for replacement of the gas pipeline involved in Thursday's explosion rather than repairs limited to the ruptured section.

Pipeline leak concerns

The pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion, with no substantial action taken by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Explosion impact

At least 20 people were injured and more than 50 houses destroyed in the Aleto pipeline explosion.

Safety engineer's warning

Most pipelines were laid 30-40 years ago, requiring urgent inspection and maintenance to prevent leaks and explosions.

NNPC response

NNPC confirmed the incident, isolated the affected section, and activated emergency response procedures.

Edu State fire

In Edo State, eight people sustained burn injuries, with reports of four people feared dead from the Oluku tanker fire.

Root causes

Poor tanker design, inadequate inspections, and weak enforcement of vehicle safety standards contribute to deadly fuel tanker accidents.

Call for action

Safety professionals urge immediate action to prevent further tanker accidents and pipeline explosions.