CNG vehicle explodes, injures 3 in Edo raises concern, fear

The victims were quickly rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo, for medical attention.

The loud explosion of the CNG vehicle, which was blown to pieces created panic in people in the area as could be seen in a viral video.

Many are now questioning the safely of converting the petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, which is expected to drastically reduce the cost of transportation, following the removal of subsidy on petrol.

The Federal Government has been a major promoter of the CNG vehicles.

However, while confrming the explosion, the Presidential CNG Initiative, PCNGI, in a statement on X, sympatised with those injured in the incident, but noted that the conversion of the exploded vehicle was not approved.

“The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024,” the statement read.

“The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use. A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not approved for use for CNG. The police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.

“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners  on the soon to be launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.

“We also 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.”