A tanker carrying 24,000 liters of diesel lost control while trying to go around a Toyota Hilux on Saturday morning and fell on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass Highway in Kaduna.
Although no lives were lost, diesel was dripping from the tanker after the cover was removed following the accident.
Residents of the community were seen collecting the overflowing diesel in drums, plates and other containers.
Speaking to Newslodge, Miss Ruth Baba, 25, a student of the Kaduna State University, said she was buying the diesel because it presented an opportunity to raise money for her school fees.
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“I don’t have anyone to help me pay my school fees, since the death of my parents. This is an opportunity for me to work to pay my school fees,” he said.
Similarly, Josee Bande, 45, who was caught pouring diesel into a jerrycan, said: “I have nothing to eat because I have no money. My family is hungry. With what I was able to collect, I can pay the rent and buy food for my family.”
The driver of the tanker is reportedly in stable condition.
All efforts to speak to the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Kaduna Sector Command, failed as he neither picked their calls nor responded to a text message sent to him.