Kehinde Fajobi
A CNG-powered vehicle exploded on Thursday at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin City, causing panic and injuring three people.
The blast, captured in a viral video, scattered the vehicle and sent bystanders fleeing in fear. The injured were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Reports suggest the explosion occurred while a technician and the car owner were testing a recently installed CNG system.
This incident highlights safety concerns over converting petrol vehicles to CNG, a practice promoted by the Federal Government to cut transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In a statement, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) acknowledged the incident, attributing it to an unauthorised modification.
“The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident,” the statement read.
“A close examination of the cylinder… shows it was welded and modified, and not approved for use for CNG. The PCNGI is working with authorities to investigate the explosion and stressed the need for strict safety measures.
“Only accredited conversion centres must be patronised and safe handling of CNG… ensures the safety of all.”