A CNG-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, resulting in severe injuries to three individuals, including a motorist with eye injuries.
An attendant at the station, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed The PUNCH on Thursday that among the injured were a woman with a severe abdominal injury and another person who suffered a foot amputation due to the explosion. Both are currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Ugbowo.
The explosion has been linked to a cylinder that was improperly fabricated by a welder. The welder has since turned himself into the police.
“The explosion occurred while vehicles were queuing to refill their cylinders at the station. The vehicle being attended to 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 our correspondent visited the scene, a technician was observed inspecting cylinders before allowing vehicles to refill. Efforts to reach the station manager for comment were unsuccessful, as he stated he did not have the authority to speak on the matter.
However, Joshua Uwaila, the Public Relations Officer of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), confirmed that he had spoken with the motorist who suffered the eye injury, noting that he was in stable condition.
In a statement on Twitter, the Presidential CNG Initiative also acknowledged the incident and expressed sympathy for those affected. 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.”
