Following an explosion which rocked a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Eyean, Benin City, Edo state, on Wednesday, the management of the affected gas station, NIPCO Gas Ltd has blamed the unfortunate incident on unauthorized CNG technicians.
The explosion occurred around 5:30 pm on Wednesday, injuring about three persons at the station.
However, a statement by the management of NIPCO blamed the explosion on the activities of inexperienced installers of the CNG cylinders with findings showing that the explosion occurred after the arrival of a vehicle at the station for CNG refueling.
The statement read:
“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. Based on the attending doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.
“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment. The incidence has been reported at the local police station and the police has taken the custody of fake cylinder pieces and the car involved in the incident.
“This incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians using non-compliant cylinders, which we have always campaigned against.
“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence and reinforce our commitment to public safety across all operations.
“As a precautionary measure, the operations at the affected station are suspended to express our solidarity with those impacted by the incident.
“We remain resolute in our efforts to provide safe and reliable infrastructure for the growth of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel in Nigeria. We assure the public and our valued customers that safety remains paramount in all our operations.
“NIPCO Gas Ltd. will continue to uphold the highest industry standards to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
This incident raises questions as to the alternative use of CNG to run cars originally designed for petrol usage. The turn to CNG vehicles was as a result of the hike in fuel price. The President had even promised intervention in transportation difficulties through CNG vehicles and stations.
Citizens need access to authorized and experienced CNG operators to avoid incidents such as this.
