LNG Bus Explosion: Operator Disputes ‘Overfilled Tank’ Claim As Gov Sani Orders Probe

Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has ordered a multi-agency investigation into the explosion involving an LNG-powered bus at Mando Motor Park in Kaduna on Sunday.

He assured the residents that the incident posed no security threat.

The directive followed preliminary findings by the state government indicating that the early morning blast on April 5 was linked to a technical fault associated with the overfilling of a compressed natural gas (CNG) tank.

In a statement signed by the commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, the government clarified that the incident involved a bus operated by Silver Luxury Travel and that the explosion was minor.

Maiyaki said there was no bomb explosion, no casualty, and no significant property loss, adding that the situation was quickly contained with normal activities restored at the motor park.

According to him, Governor Sani has mandated a comprehensive probe involving security agencies, technical regulators, and safety authorities to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

He said the move is aimed at strengthening safety protocols surrounding the use of gas-powered vehicles across the state.

The Commissioner also commended the Kaduna State Police Command, particularly its Bomb Disposal Unit, for its prompt response in securing the area and preventing panic.

He urged residents to disregard unverified claims circulating in the public space and continue their lawful activities without fear.

However, in a separate statement, Silver Luxury Travel and Freight Management challenged the initial narrative, insisting that the cause of the explosion has not been established.

The company disclosed that the blast affected two of its buses, one LNG-powered and one diesel, parked side by side at its Kaduna terminal, with the impact damaging a fuel tank and a gas canister.

It explained that the explosion occurred between the two vehicles, making it difficult to immediately determine the source, while noting that each bus had multiple fuel tanks but only those on the affected side were impacted.

While not ruling out sabotage, the company said it has reported the incident to the police and pledged full cooperation with investigators, urging the public to remain calm as authorities work to uncover the true cause.

It however clarified that, contrary to the initial speculation, none of buses is CNG-powered, saying only one of them is LNG-powered and the tank was not over-filled as speculated.