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, told The PUNCH 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 that had been 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.”
When The PUNCH visited 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 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.”
(PUNCH)