How Substandard Kits Caused Massive CNG Vehicle Explosion in Edo

A catastrophic explosion rocked a NIPCO filling station on Benin-Auchi Road, Edo State, on Thursday, leaving several people severely injured. The incident occurred in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, as a car powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) exploded while being refueled.

Eyewitnesses reported that at least three individuals were critically injured and rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency care. Among the victims were a passenger in another vehicle, a station pump attendant, and another employee of the gas station.

According to an insider at the station, the explosion was triggered by faulty and substandard conversion kits installed in the Audi 80 salon car. The driver of the car, along with the technician who installed the compressed natural gas system, had driven to the station to test the newly-installed kits when the tragic incident occurred.

Substandard Kits Blamed

The source emphasized that many Nigerians opt for roadside technicians due to the high cost of professional CNG conversions, which often leads to the use of substandard materials. "Some people patronize roadside technicians because of the high cost of conversion," the source said, noting the grave risks involved.

In response to the incident, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) issued a statement confirming that the vehicle was illegally modified. The agency stressed that only accredited conversion centers should be used for converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, to ensure safety.

"The vehicle involved was illegally modified, and the cylinder used was not approved for compressed natural gas," the PCNGI stated, urging vehicle owners to avoid unsafe installations.

Authorities Begin Investigation

An investigation into the explosion has been launched, with the police and relevant regulatory bodies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), coordinating efforts to address safety violations in compressed natural gas conversions.

The PCNGI also noted that a new Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System will soon be implemented to regulate the installation of CNG systems and ensure safety across the country. The agency called on stakeholders to comply with the upcoming regulations to prevent further accidents.

As the federal government continues to encourage the conversion of vehicles to compressed natural gas as a cleaner, cheaper alternative to petrol, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe practices in the conversion process.