Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi

Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi 

 

The Presidential CNG Initiative has said the car explosion that occurred on Wednesday at a filling station in Benin City, Edo State, was caused by illegal conversion of a petrol vehicle to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The management of NIPCO Gas Limited also in a separate statement attributed the explosion at its CNG station in Benin to a fake and substandard CNG cylinder installed in the vehicle.

The newly retrofitted CNG-powered car exploded at the NIPCO filling station, causing panic in the area with many injured people rushed to the hospital.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the vehicle severely damaged and people in the area rushing to assist the injured.

Comparing the high cost of petrol to cheaper CNG, about 70% is said to be saved running a vehicle on the CNG.

Findings by newstrends also show that conversion from petrol to CNG will cost ₦1.5 million, depending on the engine size.

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PCNGi speaks

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Presidential CNG Initiative said on its X page, “The unfortunate incident 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 avoidable incident, and is thankful that no lives were lost.”

NIPCO reacts

In a statement, NIPCO said, “The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.

“Our preliminary findings revealed that the explosion happened when a vehicle arrived for CNG refueling.

“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle was later identified as a fake, fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG.

“It exploded after being filled with just around 4 SCM of gas.

“The driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately following the explosion. “While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries — one with a leg injury and another with an eye injury.

“Both victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, and one of them is scheduled for surgery at another facility, based on medical advice. Our team is ensuring that they receive the necessary care and treatment.”