In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a tragic accident involving an 18-seater bus has reportedly claimed the lives of all passengers on board, with victims burnt beyond recognition. The Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization group took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to share the devastating news, urging safety vigilance as road accident fatalities continue to rise in Nigeria.
According to initial reports, the driver of the ill-fated bus had recently converted his vehicle’s engine from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a change intended to alleviate fuel costs amid Nigeria’s surging petrol prices. However, what should have been an eco-friendly alternative turned into a nightmare, raising questions about safety standards and proper installation procedures for such conversions.
Eyewitness accounts describe a horrifying scene, with the fire engulfing the entire vehicle before any attempt at rescue could be made. Authorities are investigating whether the CNG conversion adhered to safety protocols and whether faulty installation or maintenance might have triggered the deadly blaze.
This tragic accident underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight on CNG vehicle conversions to prevent similar incidents in the future. As Nigeria continues to explore alternative energy options, safety measures and awareness campaigns become increasingly critical to ensure that the shift to more sustainable energy does not come at the cost of innocent lives.
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