Three people are receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo, following a devastating explosion at a CNG filling station in Aduwawa, Benin, Edo State. The incident occurred on Wednesday and is believed to have been caused by a faulty cylinder that had been fabricated without proper approval.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion happened while vehicles were waiting to refill their cylinders at the NIPCO filling station. A motorist suffered severe eye injuries, a woman’s stomach was ripped open, and another person’s foot was amputated as a result of the blast. An attendant at the station, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the three individuals were being treated at the hospital and expressed hope that they would recover fully.
The cause of the explosion has been attributed to a cylinder that was welded and modified without adhering to approved safety standards for CNG. The welder responsible for fabricating the cylinder has reportedly turned himself in to the police. In response to the incident, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) has emphasized the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
The PCNGI also expressed sympathy for the injured individuals and gratitude that no lives were lost. “Safe handling of hydrocarbons is critical to their safe use,” the organization stated. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, involving the police, regulatory authorities, and NIPCO management.
To prevent similar incidents, the PCNGI has highlighted the need for the soon-to-be-launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, which aims to tackle any malpractices that jeopardize the safety of CNG usage. The organization is calling on stakeholders to adhere to safety regulations and ensure that only accredited conversion centers are used to guarantee safe handling of CNG.
The Public Relations Officer of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Joshua Uwaila, confirmed that one of the injured individuals, a man with eye injuries, was in stable condition. The hospital is working to provide the best possible care for the injured individuals, and the authorities are working to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
