A CNG-powered vehicle explosion at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday left three people severely injured, including a motorist who suffered eye injuries.
An attendant at the station,
who requested anonymity, said on Thursday that two others—a woman whose stomach
was ripped open and another person whose foot was amputated due to the
blast—are also receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching
Hospital, Ugbowo.
According to the source, the
explosion was traced to a cylinder fabricated by a welder without proper
approval. The welder has reportedly turned himself in to the police.
“The explosion occurred while
vehicles were queuing to refill their cylinders at the station. The vehicle
being attended to suddenly exploded.
“One motorist suffered an eye
injury, a woman’s stomach was torn open, and another person’s foot was
amputated from the impact. They are all at the University of Benin Teaching
Hospital receiving treatment, and we hope none of them will lose their lives.”
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 to the man with
the eye injury, who was reported to be in stable condition.
In a statement on Twitter, the
Presidential CNG Initiative also confirmed the incident and expressed sympathy
for those injured. The statement read:
“The Presidential CNG
Initiative notes the unfortunate incident involving an illegally modified
vehicle at a NIPCO CNG station in Aduwawa, Benin City, on Wednesday, October
16, 2024. We commiserate with those injured and are thankful that no lives were
lost. Safe handling of hydrocarbons is critical to their safe use.”
The PCNGI further explained
that an investigation revealed the cylinder involved had been welded and
modified, contrary to approved safety standards for CNG.
“The police, regulatory
authorities, and NIPCO management are investigating the incident, and we are
coordinating with them,” the statement added.
The Initiative also reiterated
the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations.
It added, “This incident
underscores the need for the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring
System by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NMDPRA, NADDC, and FRSC
to tackle any bad actors jeopardizing the safety of CNG usage. We call on
stakeholders to adhere to these regulations and ensure that only accredited
conversion centres are patronised to guarantee safe handling of CNG.”
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