In the early hours of Thursday, a sudden explosion from a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle caused panic in Benin, the capital of Edo State. The incident occurred at the NIPCO filling station located along the Benin-Auchi Expressway, shocking residents and passersby.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was so loud that it sent people running for safety. In a video circulating online, the aftermath of the explosion shows the vehicle badly damaged, while people around the area scrambled to avoid any further danger.
It has been confirmed that at least three people suffered injuries of varying severity. Those affected were quickly transported to a nearby private hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention. The full extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, but it is believed that none of the injuries are life-threatening.
This incident has raised concerns among the public regarding the safety of CNG-powered vehicles, especially as the government has been pushing for the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG.
This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s plan to reduce transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies. While the use of CNG is intended to provide a more affordable alternative to petrol, safety concerns are increasingly being voiced.
Many residents expressed fear after the explosion, with one local stating, “The government needs to address the safety risks associated with CNG vehicles if they expect the public to switch from petrol to CNG.”
