By Erewunmi Peace

A compressed natural gas (CNG) powered bus exploded at a busy transport terminus in Kaduna, causing panic among commuters and raising fresh concerns about the safety of alternative fuel vehicles in Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred at a crowded motor park, reportedly led to a fire outbreak that affected nearby vehicles and disrupted activities in the area. Eyewitnesses described a sudden blast followed by thick smoke, forcing passengers and traders to flee for safety.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion to contain the fire and prevent further damage. While the full extent of casualties has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate that several vehicles were severely damaged in the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion may have been linked to a fault in the bus’s compressed natural gas system, such as a leak or improper handling.

However, authorities have not yet released an official statement confirming the exact cause.

The incident comes amid Nigeria’s growing adoption of CNG-powered vehicles as a cost-effective alternative to petrol and diesel. While the transition has been widely encouraged, safety experts warn that strict adherence to maintenance standards and proper handling procedures is essential to prevent such accidents.

Officials are expected to conduct a full investigation into the explosion, with calls already growing for stronger safety regulations and monitoring of CNG vehicles across the country.