A man has been acclaimed a "hero" in Nigeria's Delta state for risking his life by driving a blazing fuel truck away from a heavily populated suburban neighborhood.
Before bystanders dragged him away from the ball of fire, Ejiro Otarigho rushed away in the blazing truck to safety.
He received a cash for 2 million naira ($4,800; £3,900), a plaque, and a letter of congratulations from the Delta state government "for his demonstration of heroism."
He was also commended for "his bravery and heroism in preventing a terrible calamity that may have killed many people in the vicinity." The terrifying story of a Nigerian man who was acclaimed a "hero" for risking his life by driving a blazing gasoline truck away from a heavily populated suburban neighborhood in Warri Delta State has been told by the BBC.
"I had just one idea in mind, and that was to throw the blazing tanker into a neighboring river," Ejiro Otarigho stated.
"It was my [helper] who first informed me that our tanker was on fire. He said, "It was a terrifying ball of flames."
Mr Ejiro stated that he had just offloaded some of the tanker's cargo and was on his way to another location when disaster struck.
He instructed his helper to get off and rushed away since he didn't have time to squander. amidst shrieks of terror and dismay from witnesses, off in the blazing tanker
Any minor lapse of judgment by Mr Otarigho, or a sudden explosion, may have resulted in absolute calamity in the risky event. "I had planned to travel to the river." "When I arrived, the automobile steering became locked, and I couldn't drive any farther," he explained.
"I explained that if I go straight, the vehicle would topple, causing another difficulty." So all I have to do now is find a parking spot in the open area."
Onlookers can be seen hauling Mr Otarigho away in one of the films after he eventually brought the tanker to safety.
Mr. Otarigho is unharmed, other from minor smoke inhalation and bruising.
Tanker fires are prevalent in Nigeria, and many people have died as a result of them, as well as property damage.