At least three people were injured following an explosion of a CNG-powered vehicle at the NIPCO filling station in Benin City, Edo State.
News About Nigeria reports that the incident occurred on Thursday morning at the gas station located on Aduwawa Road in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The explosion reportedly stemmed from substandard conversion kits and a defective cylinder used to convert the vehicle to CNG.
A viral video from the scene captured the aftermath, showing a damaged vehicle while a bystander described the incident as a “gas explosion at the NIPCO station.”
Sources disclosed that the driver and a technician had taken the vehicle to the station to test the conversion when the explosion occurred.
Those injured include a station cleaner, a pump attendant, and another unidentified person.
The technician later reported himself to the police and assisted investigators at the scene.
One witness commented that the cylinder used for the vehicle’s conversion differed from the standard CNG equipment.
The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) also acknowledged the incident on social media, expressing sympathy for those injured and stressing the need for safety in handling hydrocarbons.
Their statement confirmed that the modified cylinder used did not meet safety standards, adding that the authorities, including police and NIPCO management, were conducting a thorough investigation.
“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 jeopardising 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,” the statement concluded.
