NIPCO Staff Loses Leg, Two Others Suffer Severe Injuries as Fake CNG- Powered Vehicle Explodes in Edo

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A staff of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company, (NIPCO) in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday lost a leg and another is at the risk of losing his sight following the explosion of a vehicle powered by a fake Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder. Three persons sustained severe injuries and are receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo.

In a viral video on social media of the incident, the vehicle was almost in smithereens while the staff of the station, customers and passers-by were seen scampering to safety in panic as the deafening sound of the explosion rocked the vicinity.

A lucky official of the station who claimed to have stepped out before tragedy struck, said the fake CNG cylinder was fabricated for the victim by a welder operating near the station, who, it was learnt, had been arrested for further investigation.

At the scene of the incident on Thursday, it was observed that the spot where the explosion occurred had been cordoned off, while the blood of the victims remained on the ground. Heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles on queue were seen being properly screened by officials of NIPCO apparently to ensure that customers complied with the requisite regulations.

According to the official, “One of my staff was directly involved and he is presently receiving treatment at UBTH. Another victim sustained injuries in his eyes, and one had his leg cut off completely. I was just lucky to have left the vicinity before the explosion.

“A welder not far from here faked the CNG cylinder that caused the explosion. I don’t know why some people will put their lives and that of others in danger by going to fabricate a cylinder”.

Reacting to the development, the Presidential CNG Initiative, (PCNGI) in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, confirmed that the explosion was due to illegally modified vehicle, and described it as unfortunate.

According to the post, “The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that 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 (anyone) 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”.