Three people were seriously injured and a motorist suffered severe eye injury when a CNG-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin; the Punch newspaper has reported.
The newspaper quoted a petrol attendant at the station, who craved anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, as revealing that another woman who had her stomach ripped open, and another person whose foot was amputated as a result of the blast, are currently receiving intensive medical attention at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.
The explosion, according to the attendant, was due to a locally fabricated gas cylinder that a welder developed and put to use without any due diligence or approval by any appropriate regulatory authority. However, the welder is said to have turned himself up at a police station.
There has been no official response by the station owners or manager as at the time of this report.
But the newspaper said the Public Relations Officer of of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Mr. Joshua Uwaila, confirmed that the man with the eye injury was stable
The Presidential CNG Initiative, PCNGI, confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X, saying:
“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.”
According to the PCNGI, initial investigation has revealed that the cylinder involved had been welded and modified, contrary to approved safety standards for CNG, adding that “The police, regulatory authorities, and NIPCO management are investigating the incident, and we are coordinating with them.”
The PCNGI underscored the significance of strict compliance with safety regulations to prevent avoidable incidents.
“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,” the Initiative said. “We call on stakeholders to adhere to these regulations and ensure that only accredited conversion centres are patronised to guarantee safe handling of CNG.”
