Valentine Okafor
The NIPCO Gas Ltd , has blamed the explosion which occurred in its refilling station in Benin, Edo State to installation of substandard Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder by the vehicle owner.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.
The Company said preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when a vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refueling.
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, said NIPCO Gas.
The driver it was reported 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.
The Company said its team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment and the incident 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.” a statement it issued in Lagos said.