A Nigerian man Ejiro Otarigho has been acclaimed a “hero” in Nigeria’s Delta state for risking his life by driving a blazing fuel truck away from a densely populated suburban neighborhood.
The Delta State Government said in a tweet; “Today, the Delta State government, presented a letter of commendation, an award plaque, and a cheque of Two Million Naira, to Ejiro Otarigho, a tanker driver, for his display of heroism as he drove a burning tanker away to a safe place in Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA.”
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.”
Otarigho received praise for “his bravery and heroism in averting a terrible calamity that may have killed many people in the neighborhood.”
Before bystanders dragged him away from the ball of fire, Ejiro Otarigho rushed away in the blazing truck to safety.
Otarigho stated that he had just offloaded some of the tanker’s cargo and was on his way to another location when tragedy struck.
He told his assistant to get off and sped away in the burning tanker, amidst shrieks of fear and dismay from onlookers.
In the dangerous incident, Otarigho’s slight lapse in judgment or a sudden explosion could have resulted in total disaster.
“My intention was to drive to the river. When I got there the car steering got stuck and I couldn’t move any further.
“I said if I drive straight, the truck may fall and that may cause another problem. So I just have to park in the open space,” he recounted.
Otarigho eventually got the tanker to safety, and onlookers can be seen dragging him away in one of the videos. Except for some smoke inhalation and a few bruises, he is unharmed.