An explosion at a NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin City, the capital of Edo State, on Wednesday left three people severely injured.

The explosion, which occurred during a routine refuelling process, was traced to a modified gas cylinder.

An anonymous attendant at the station said that “one motorist suffered an eye injury, a woman’s stomach was torn open, and another person’s foot was amputated from the impact.”

The victims are reportedly receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

According to the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), the explosion was caused by a cylinder that a welder had fabricated, without it meeting proper approval.

The welder has since turned himself into the police.

“The explosion occurred while vehicles were queuing to refill their cylinders at the station. The vehicle being attended to suddenly exploded,” the source said.

The police, regulatory authorities, and NIPCO management are investigating the incident.