The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd. has stated that the explosion at its CNG station in Benin, Edo State, was caused by a substandard and fake Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder installed in a vehicle. The incident took place at their filling station on Aduwawa, along the Benin-Auchi Expressway, on October 16, 2024.
In a public statement, NIPCO disclosed that the explosion occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. when a vehicle arrived for refueling. The vehicle’s CNG cylinder, identified as a fake and substandard unit, was not designed for CNG use. It exploded shortly after being filled with around 4 SCM of gas.
The driver fled the scene after the explosion. While there were no fatalities, two individuals sustained injuries, with one suffering a leg injury and the other an eye injury. Both were rushed to the hospital, and one is scheduled for surgery based on medical advice. NIPCO is ensuring the victims receive appropriate care.
The incident was reported to the local police, who have taken custody of the fake cylinder’s remains and the vehicle involved. NIPCO emphasized the danger of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians and reiterated its commitment to public safety in cooperation with authorities to prevent future occurrences.