• ⁠⁠NIPCO says cylinder modified, fake, substandard
•⁠⁠ Strict compliance with safety regulations critical, PCNGI restates

The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle explosion at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, has left three people severely injured, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries.

An attendant at the station, who requested anonymity, told newsmen, yesterday, that two others, a woman whose stomach was ripped open and another person whose foot was amputated due to the blast, were also receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.
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According to the source, the explosion was traced to a cylinder that had been fabricated by a welder without proper approval, adding that the welder has reportedly turned himself in to the police.

Meanwhile, at the scene, a technician was seen inspecting cylinders before vehicles were allowed to refill. Attempts to speak with the station manager were unsuccessful as he declined to comment, stating that he had no authority to speak on the incident.

However, the Public Relations Officer of UBTH, Joshua Uwaila, confirmed that he had spoken with the man with the eye injury, who was reported to be in stable condition.

Reacting, the management of NIPCO Gas Ltd said: “We wish to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. 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 refueling.

“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.
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“Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Based on the attending 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.

“The incidence has been reported at the local police station and the police have taken the custody of the fake cylinder pieces and the car involved in the incident.”

Also, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) in a statement also confirmed the incident and expressed sympathy for those injured.

The PCNGI explained that an investigation revealed that the cylinder involved had been welded and modified, contrary to approved safety standards for CNG.

It also reiterated the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations. “We call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance. Only accredited conversion centers must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures safety of all,” the statement read.
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