A CNG tank explosion at a NIPCO CNG station in Aduwawa, Benin City, has left multiple individuals injured, although no fatalities have been reported.
The incident has sparked safety concerns in the area.
The viral footage on X (formerly Twitter) shows the aftermath, including a station wagon with its rear section completely destroyed and shrapnel scattered around the site.
The explosion at the NIPCO CNG station caused significant damage to several nearby vehicles, which showed visible dents from the blast.
It reportedly occurred during the refueling of a station wagon’s CNG cylinder, raising concerns about safety protocols in place during such operations.
The video also revealed several injured individuals, with the person recording noting that one of the victims, whose leg may have been severed, had been rushed to the hospital. Blood stains from the injured were visibly splattered on the ground at the scene.
The video clearly illustrates the dangers of poorly constructed CNG cylinders, with observers noting the significant damage to the ruptured cylinder.
This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols and proper maintenance for CNG equipment at refueling stations.
Since the federal government promoted compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel, public safety concerns have indeed surfaced.
Insights from CNG conversion experts at PCNGI-approved conversion centers in Lagos emphasize that, when properly executed, CNG conversions can be safe.
