A staff of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company, NIPCO in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday said the explosion at the premises resulted from a fake CNG cylinder fabricated by a welder for the victim of the expulsion.
When our correspondent visited the scene of the blast, heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles in the queue were being properly screened by NIPCO officials to ensure that customers complied with the requisite regulations.
The scene of the explosion had been barricaded with red tape, and stains of blood were visible at the spot of the blast.
It was learnt that the welder who fabricated the cylinder which led to the explosion had been arrested for further investigation.
An official of NIPCO who left the scene before the blast said he was lucky to have escaped as the expulsion occurred barely one hour after he left the scene, adding that three persons were fatally injured and are currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.
He said, “One of my staff was directly involved, and he is presently receiving treatment at UBTH. Another victim sustained injuries in the eye, and one had his leg cut off completely. I was just lucky to have left the vicinity before the explosion.
“A welder not far from here faked the CNG cylinder that caused the explosion. I don’t know why some people will put their lives and those of others in danger by fabricating a cylinder.
Meanwhile, the Presidential CNG Initiative, in a message on its X handle, has described the incident as unfortunate, adding that it resulted from an illegally modified vehicle.
“The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident and is thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also note that the safe handling of all hydrocarbons 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 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 regulation system and ensure full compliance. Only accredited conversion centres must be patronised, and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all.”
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