The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has finally broken silence on the recent explosion of a CNG-powered vehicle which left many injured at a NIPCO Station located at Eyean, Auchi Road, Edo State.
Reacting to the incident via a statement released on Friday, the initiative revealed that it carried out an investigation after the explosion.
According to the PCNGI, the investigation showed that the exploded cylinder was welded and modified without approval for use for CNG.
The PCNGI detailed that the investigation, which they coordinated, was in collaboration with the police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO.
Furthermore, the body disclosed plans by the government to launch a monitoring system to ensure the safe use of the compressed gas.
The statement reads, “The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Aduwawa in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
“The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident and is thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that the safe handling of all hydrocarbons 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 centres must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all.
“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle — later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG — exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas.
“The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.
“While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”
Investors King reported that the CNG converted vehicle exploded on Wednesday, causing multiple injuries and destruction of properties within the vicinity of the incident.
The explosion reportedly occurred during the refueling of the station wagon’s CNG cylinder vehicle.
