PCNGI Issues Safety Warning As Illegally Modified CNG-powered Vehicle Explodes While Refilling At Station

PCNG-i issues safety warning as illegally modified CNG-powered vehicle explodes while refilling at NIPCO Benin City.

Explosion attributed to the vehicle’s cylinder, which it said was welded and modified and not an approved for use for CNG.

To ensure safety, PCNG-i urged motorists willing to use CNG to patronize only accredited Conversion Centres across Nigeria.

Many people were reportedly injured on Wednesday October 16th 2024 after an illegally modified CNG-powered vehicle suddenly burst into flames while refilling its tank at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City.

While investigation of the unfortunate incident is currently ongoing, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNG-i) attributed the explosion to the vehicle’s cylinder, which it said was welded and modified and not an approved for use for CNG.

To ensure safety, PCNGi urged motorists willing to convert their petrol or diesel-powered vehicles to use CNG to patronize only accredited Conversion Centres across Nigeria.

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“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.”

“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.”

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