The Presidential CNG Initiative has reacted to the unfortunate incident of a CNG vehicle cylinder exploding in Benin, saying the vehicle was illegally modified.
The explosion happened on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City.
PCNGI initiatives made this statement in a press statement on the official X account.
The statement reads, ”The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident involving an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use.
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A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not an 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.
Recall that a vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station while filling its CNG tank in the early hours of Wednesday, October 16, leaving several people injured and causing damage to the car; no life was lost.
Safety Incident at NIPCO Benin City
The Presidential CNG Initiative notes the unfortunate incident that involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this… pic.twitter.com/ZP9baxN8ex
— PCNGI (@PCNGInitiative) October 17, 2024