The Presidential CNG Initiative has responded to the incident involving a vehicle at a NIPCO CNG station in Aduwawa, Benin City, which occurred on Wednesday.
In a statement released on Friday, the Initiative clarified that the vehicle involved had been illegally modified and was not approved for CNG use.
The explosion, which took place at the NIPCO station, severely injured three people, including a motorist who sustained eye injuries.
Two others—a woman whose abdomen was severely damaged and another individual who had a foot amputated—are currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.
The explosion was linked to a cylinder that had been fabricated by a welder without proper authorization. The welder has since surrendered to the police.
“The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Aduwawa in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
“The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident and is thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that the safe handling of all hydrocarbons is critical to their safe use.
“A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not approved for use for CNG.
“The police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.
“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners on the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.
“We also call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance. Only accredited conversion centres must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all.”
“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle — later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG — exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas.
“The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.
“While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”
The Federal Government then warned motorists to avoid patronising unaccredited centres to convert their vehicles from fuel to gas.