Govt warns against illegal centres after Edo CNG explosion

The Federal Government has warned motorists to avoid patronising unaccredited centres to convert their vehicles from fuel to gas.

This was contained in a Twitter message by the Presidential CNG Initiative on Thursday, over the CNG car explosion in Benin, Edo State.

The statement read, “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.”

NIPCO Gas Limited, on Thursday, said, “The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.

“Our preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when a vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refuelling.

“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.

“Based on the doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.

“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment.”

An attendant at the station, who pleaded anonymity, told The PUNCH on Thursday that the man and two others, a woman whose stomach was ripped open and another whose foot was amputated by the force of the gas, were receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Ugbowo.

He stated that the cylinder was discovered to have been fabricated by a welder who had no approval to do so, adding that the welder had already reported himself to the police.

The source said, “The explosion happened on Wednesday while the vehicles were in the queue at the filling station to get their cylinder filled. The one that was being attended to exploded.

“One motorist sustained injury in one of his eyes, another woman’s stomach was ripped open while another man’s foot was amputated due to the impact of the explosion.

“They have all been taken to the University of the Benin Teaching Hospital where they are receiving treatment and we pray that none of them will die.”

When the PUNCH visited the scene of the tragedy on Thursday, a technician was seen inspecting the cylinders before the motorists could be allowed to refill.