Three Critically Injured As CNG Vehicle Explodes In Edo

A CNG-powered vehicle exploded at a NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, injuring three people, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries and a woman whose stomach was ripped open.

The explosion occurred on Wednesday, while vehicles were queuing to refill their cylinders.

An investigation revealed that the cylinder involved had been welded and modified without proper approval, contrary to safety standards for CNG.

An attendant at the station said, “The explosion occurred while vehicles were queuing to refill their cylinders at the station. The vehicle being attended to suddenly exploded. One motorist suffered an eye injury, a woman’s stomach was torn open, and another person’s foot was amputated from the impact. They are all at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital receiving treatment, and we hope none of them will lose their lives.”

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The Presidential CNG Initiative took to Twitter to acknowledge the incident and offer sympathy to the injured victims, stating:

“The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident involving an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG station in Aduwawa, Benin City, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. We commiserate with those injured and are thankful that no lives were lost. Safe handling of hydrocarbons is critical to their safe use.”

The Initiative further explained that an investigation revealed the cylinder involved had been welded and modified, contrary to approved safety standards for CNG.

“The police, regulatory authorities, and NIPCO management are investigating the incident, and we are coordinating with them. This incident underscores the need for the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NMDPRA, NADDC, and FRSC to tackle any bad actors jeopardizing the safety of CNG usage. We call on stakeholders to adhere to these regulations and ensure that only accredited conversion centres are patronised to guarantee safe handling of CNG.”