There was panic on Thursday morning in Benin, the Edo State capital, when a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.
In a video circulating online, the vehicle was seen severely damaged, while bystanders fled in fear as the loud explosion sent shockwaves through the area. The terrifying scene sparked widespread panic among residents nearby, with many scrambling for safety.
Reports indicate that three individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and have been rushed to a private hospital for urgent medical attention. The extent of their injuries is yet to be confirmed.
This incident comes amidst rising concerns over the safety of converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, a move championed by the Federal Government as a means to reduce transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The explosion has reignited the debate on the safety protocols and preparedness of the country’s infrastructure to handle CNG vehicles, with many questioning whether adequate measures have been put in place to ensure public safety during this transition.
Further investigations into the cause of the explosion are expected, and authorities are likely to respond with more stringent regulations in light of the growing safety concerns.
