The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd has confirmed a CNG cylinder explosion in Eyean station, Benin, stating that the cylinder installed in the vehicle was fake.
NIPCO in a statement informing the general public of the incident, stated that it 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.
Giving account of the incident, NIPCO Gas said: “Our 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. 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 incident has been reported at the local police station and the police have taken 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”.
The company however, called for a precautionary measure as the operations at the affected station are suspended to express its 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”, it stated
