The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Eduzi Tameklo, has issued a strong warning to the public to stay away from petroleum tanker accident scenes, describing such actions as extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

In a passionate appeal on his Facebook wall, Mr. Tameklo cautioned that rushing to tanker accident sites in search of free fuel is a deadly gamble that has cost many lives in the past.

“Please don’t go near such scenes. It is suicide. Your life is more important than a gallon of petrol or diesel,” he said.

His warning comes in the wake of recent incidents involving overturned or leaking fuel tankers, where some residents have attempted to scoop spilt fuel despite the obvious risks of fire or explosion.

The NPA CEO stressed that public safety must remain a top priority and urged all citizens to heed the advice of emergency services and security agencies in such situations.

“I am pleading for safety. Stay away from these accident scenes. Let’s value our lives over a few litres of fuel,” Mr. Tameklo added.

He assured that the NPA will continue to work closely with emergency responders to improve rapid response protocols and public education around the dangers of petroleum-related accidents.