News
CNG-Powered Vehicle Explosion in Benin.

On Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred at the NIPCO filling station located at Ikpoba Hill, along the Benin-Auchi expressway, as a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicle exploded, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Eyewitness accounts and circulating viral videos depict the aftermath of the explosion, which left the vehicle in disarray.
According to reports, three people sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported to a private hospital for necessary medical treatment. This incident has sparked significant discussions regarding the safety implications of converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, a transition that has been actively promoted by the Nigerian government.
In response to the explosion, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), tasked with advocating for this conversion, offered their condolences to the victims while clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident. The PCNGI revealed that the vehicle involved had been illegally modified, deviating from approved safety protocols.
In their official statement, the PCNGI expressed, “We commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident and are grateful that no lives were lost. A thorough examination of the vehicle’s cylinder confirms it was improperly welded and modified, making it unfit for CNG use.”
Furthermore, the PCNGI emphasized the critical importance of safe handling and conversion practices for hydrocarbon fuels. They are currently collaborating with police and regulatory authorities, including the management of NIPCO, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the explosion.
This incident underscores the urgency of launching the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, which aims to enhance regulatory oversight and eliminate unsafe practices within the sector. The PCNGI urged stakeholders to fully support this initiative and to patronize only accredited conversion centers, reinforcing that safety should remain paramount in the transition to CNG as a vehicle fuel.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential for all parties involved to commit to regulatory compliance to foster a safer and more reliable fuel source for all Nigerians.
Tragedy strikes in Benin, Edo State as a gas powered vehicle exploded at a CNG station causing panic and injuries.🙆💔 pic.twitter.com/TQgpfxoxlH
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 17, 2024
News
Lagos State Reaffirms Focus on Road Safety, Not Revenue, with Speed Enforcement.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to road safety, emphasizing that the recently implemented speed limit enforcement and e-policing camera system is primarily designed to reduce accidents and fatalities, not to generate revenue.
Speaking on a local radio program, Mr. Musa clarified that the initiative aims to curb excessive speeding, a key contributor to road accidents. He stated that compliance with speed limits is crucial for saving lives and preventing injuries, and that the enforcement measures, though often met with resistance, are necessary for public safety.
Further, Mr. Musa addressed concerns regarding potential errors and assured the public that a transparent process exists for contesting perceived wrongful fines. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable enforcement, noting that even government vehicles have been subject to fines for violations. He urged motorists to adhere to posted speed limits, especially along the Alapere axis and the Third Mainland Bridge, and to utilize designated locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The government is also addressing issues of missing or vandalized road signs through alternative measures like direct road markings.
Entertainment
Val Kilmer, Acclaimed Actor, Passes Away at 65.

Hollywood mourns the loss of Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse and memorable roles, who passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news.
Kilmer, a prominent figure in 1990s cinema, achieved widespread recognition for his performances in iconic films such as “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” where he embodied Jim Morrison, and “Tombstone,” where he portrayed Doc Holliday. He also donned the cowl as Batman in “Batman Forever.” His extensive filmography includes significant roles in “Heat,” “The Saint,” “Willow,” and the recent “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Kilmer’s career was marked by periods of controversy and fluctuating box office success. He was reportedly diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, though he later recovered.
Val Kilmer’s talent and dedication to his craft will undoubtedly be remembered by audiences for years to come.
Foreign
Case Dismissed: Federal Charges Against Mayor Adams Dropped.

On Wednesday, District Court Judge Dale Ho dismissed, with prejudice, the federal criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This action effectively terminates the possibility of the Department of Justice (DOJ) resurrecting the five-count indictment against the Democrat in the US District Court in Manhattan.
The dismissal follows a controversial request by the Trump administration, nearly two months prior, to drop the corruption charges. The DOJ argued that prosecution would impede Mayor Adams’ ability to govern New York City and collaborate with the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
The request prompted significant internal dissent, culminating in the resignation of seven federal prosecutors, including the acting Manhattan US attorney. Their departure underscores the contentious nature of the decision to seek dismissal and the ethical questions it raised within the Department. The “with prejudice” ruling solidifies the finality of this complex and closely watched legal battle.
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