Three Injured in Explosion of Illegally Modified CNG Vehicle in Edo

The statement also emphasized that only accredited conversion centers should be used for CNG conversions, and called for stakeholders to adhere strictly to safety regulations.

Benin City, Nigeria – Tragedy struck on Thursday morning in Benin City when a vehicle powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) exploded at the NIPCO filling station on Aduwawa, along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.

The explosion, captured in a viral video, left the vehicle severely damaged, sending bystanders into panic as the loud blast echoed through the area. Three individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees and were promptly rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ugbowo, for treatment.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when the vehicle’s owner and the technician responsible for the installation arrived at the filling station to test the modified CNG system. The explosion raises concerns over the safety of converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, a process that has been promoted by the Federal Government as a cost-saving measure following the removal of fuel subsidies.

In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) confirmed the incident and expressed sympathy for the injured. The PCNGI disclosed that an investigation revealed the CNG cylinder in the vehicle had been illegally modified and was not approved for use with CNG.

“The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident and is thankful that no lives were lost. Safe handling of all hydrocarbons is essential to their safe use,” the statement read.

The statement also emphasized that only accredited conversion centers should be used for CNG conversions, and called for stakeholders to adhere strictly to safety regulations. The authorities, including the police and regulatory bodies, have launched an investigation into the explosion, with the aim of preventing similar occurrences.

The PCNGI further announced plans to implement the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This system is expected to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with safety standards in the growing CNG ecosystem.