By Ade Iyamoye
Compressed natural gas (CNG), expert, Engr. Adebayo Destiny, has dismissed claims that CNG cylinders were responsible for the deadly tanker explosion near Karu Bridge in Abuja.
Speaking at the explosion site, he attributed the incident to the impact from a collision and warned against misinformation aimed at discrediting the federal government’s push for CNG adoption.
Engr. Destiny explained that the tanker, which was carrying both liquid fuel and CNG cylinders, suffered brake failure and rammed into another vehicle.
“The force of the impact caused the explosion, not the CNG itself. If CNG was the problem, the gas tanks would have exploded—but they did not, even under intense fire,” he clarified.
He emphasized that CNG remains safer than liquid fuel, citing its high ignition temperature and design features that prevent catastrophic failure.
“If this had been purely a fuel tanker, the explosion would have been even worse,” he added.
He also warned against political and economic saboteurs attempting to use the incident to undermine Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
“Certain groups stand to lose financially if CNG adoption succeeds, so they will spread fear and propaganda,” he noted.
Engr. Destiny called for stricter enforcement of vehicle safety regulations, particularly brake inspections for heavy-duty trucks.
He urged the government to introduce mandatory roadside brake tests for commercial vehicles to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The FCT Police Command confirmed that six people died in the explosion, while 14 vehicles were burnt.
Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the disaster.
