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.