A staff of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company, NIPCO in Benin City, Edo State Thursday said the explosion that occurred at the premises was a result of a fake CNG cylinder fabricated by a welder for the victim of the expulsion.
An eye witness at the scene of the blast shows heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles in the queue being properly screened by officials of NIPCO apparently to ensure that customers complied with the requisite regulations.
The scene of the explosion had been barricaded with red tape as stains of blood were visible at the spot of the blast.
It was learned 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 explosion occurred barely one hour after he left the scene, adding that three persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin.
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 why some people will put their lives and those of others in danger by going to fabricate cylinders.
Meanwhile, the Presidential CNG Initiative in a message on its X handle has described the incident as unfortunate adding that it was a result of an illegally modified vehicle.
“The PCNGI commiserates with those injured in this avoidable incident and is thankful that no lives were lost. The PCNGI also notes 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 system of regulation and ensure full compliance. Only accredited conversion centers must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures the safety of all”.