An attendant at the station, who pleaded anonymity has narrated what transpired at the filling station concerning the CNG explosion.
He told The PUNCH on Thursday that a man and two others—a woman with a severely injured abdomen and another person whose foot was amputated due to the gas explosion—are receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Ugbowo.
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He noted that the cylinder involved was found to have been improperly fabricated by a welder lacking the necessary approval. The welder has since reported himself to the police.
The source said, “The explosion happened on Wednesday while the vehicles were in the queue at the filling station to get their cylinder filled. The one that was being attended to exploded.
“One motorist sustained injury in one of his eyes, another woman’s stomach was ripped open while another man’s foot was amputated due to the impact of the explosion.
“They have all been taken to the University of the Benin Teaching Hospital where they are receiving treatment and we pray that none of them will die.”
NIPCO Gas Reacts To Edo CNG Explosion
The company which owns the filling station where the CNG explosion occurred in Edo State has reacted to the incident.
The company reacted to the incident via a statement.
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NIPCO Gas Limited, on Thursday, said, “The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.
“Our preliminary findings showed that the explosion occurred when a vehicle arrived at the station for CNG refuelling.
“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle — later identified as a fake and fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG — exploded after filling with just around 4 SCM of gas.
“The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident.
While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries. One person suffered a leg injury, and another sustained an eye injury. Both victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“Based on the doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital.
“Our team is ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment.”
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