The tragic accident in Bangkok, which claimed the lives of 20 children and three teachers, raises concerns about the safety of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles. The bus, powered by CNG, crashed into a concrete barrier, causing a massive fire that left many unable to escape. Witnesses reported that the intense fire quickly consumed the bus after a tyre burst, sparking concerns about the fuel’s safety.
Thailand’s Transport Minister, Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit, called CNG “extremely risky” and urged for its ban in passenger vehicles, sparking debate about the safety of a fuel that is becoming increasingly popular in countries like Nigeria. Nigeria has invested billions in CNG to reduce reliance on petrol, touting its benefits as cheaper, cleaner, and safer. The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) assures that CNG is less combustible, disperses quickly in the atmosphere in case of leaks, and has a narrow flammability range, making it safer than petrol.
According to Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO of PCNGI, CNG is 18 times safer than petrol and diesel, offering both economic and environmental advantages. He emphasizes that CNG’s lighter-than-air nature makes it less likely to ignite in case of a leak, unlike petrol, which pools and poses a fire risk.
However, the Thailand accident serves as a stark reminder that even the safest fuels have inherent risks. With Nigeria aiming to convert 1 million vehicles to CNG by 2027, it is crucial to ensure that safety measures, vehicle standards, and emergency protocols are strictly followed to prevent similar tragedies. While CNG may be a cleaner and more economical alternative, the Bangkok incident underscores the need for thorough safety evaluations, especially in passenger vehicles, before full adoption.
Thailand’s road safety issues also contribute to the problem, with poor driving and unsafe vehicles leading to 20,000 fatalities annually. The tragic accident highlights the need for stringent safety regulations, not only in fuel use but also in vehicle standards and road safety protocols.
As Nigeria pushes forward with its CNG conversion initiative, it’s essential to balance economic benefits with safety, ensuring that risks are minimized and vehicles are equipped to handle the fuel safely.
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