The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd has attributed the recent explosion at its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State, to the activities of unlicensed CNG technicians.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m., left three people injured.

In a statement, NIPCO explained that the explosion occurred when a vehicle, fitted with a faulty CNG cylinder, arrived at the station for refueling.

“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,” the company said.

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While there were no fatalities, 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 attending doctor’s recommendation, one of the individuals will require surgery at a different hospital,” the statement read.

NIPCO assured that its team is actively providing necessary care to the injured individuals. The incident has been reported to the police, with law enforcement taking custody of the vehicle and remnants of the faulty cylinder.

“This incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized CNG installations by unqualified technicians using non-compliant cylinders, which we have always campaigned against,” NIPCO stressed.

The gas company added that it is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur. “Operations at the affected station have been suspended to express our solidarity with those impacted by the incident.”

NIPCO further reiterated its commitment to safety in all its operations, emphasizing that providing secure infrastructure remains a top priority. “We remain resolute in our efforts to provide safe and reliable infrastructure for the growth of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel in Nigeria. Safety remains paramount in all our operations.”

The statement concluded with an assurance that further updates would be provided as more details emerge.