Panic erupted in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday morning when a vehicle powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) exploded at the NIPCO filling station along the Benin-Auchi Expressway. The explosion caused immediate chaos in the area, as startled residents and passersby fled for safety.
A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows the vehicle severely damaged, with pieces of the car scattered around the station.
People in the vicinity can be seen running frantically as the loud blast sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, raising widespread alarm.
Initial reports indicate that three individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries due to the explosion.
The victims were quickly transported to a nearby private hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The explosion has reignited concerns over the safety of CNG-powered vehicles, particularly in light of the Federal Government’s push to encourage the conversion of petrol-powered cars to CNG. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce transportation costs following the recent removal of fuel subsidies.