Panic as explosion rocks Kaduna motor park

A powerful explosion involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered bus has struck the Mando Garage Motor Park in Kaduna, destroying at least two luxury buses and several other vehicles.

The blast occurred at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, triggering panic across the busy transport hub as its impact tore through the area.

Initial reports suggest the explosion originated from a CNG-powered vehicle owned by Silver Travel & Luxury Bus. The force of the blast was said to be so intense that it quickly affected another luxury bus parked nearby.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud bang before flames erupted, accompanied by thick black smoke that engulfed the motor park.

“The impact of the explosion extended to a second bus and nearby parked vehicles, causing significant damage and panic within the area,” a report on the incident stated.

Apart from the two luxury buses that were completely destroyed, a number of smaller vehicles parked within the vicinity were also damaged in the incident.

Digital creator Mahmud Ahmad Abubakar, who visited the Mando Garage scene, posted photographs on Facebook on Sunday morning showing the burnt-out remains of the vehicles. The images reveal extensive destruction, with one of the multi-million naira buses reduced to twisted metal.

“The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined; however, possible causes may include gas leakage, cylinder failure, or improper handling of the CNG system,” Abubakar said.

Despite the magnitude of the explosion and the level of damage recorded, no casualties were reported in the early morning incident.

The development has renewed concerns about the safety and maintenance of CNG-powered commercial vehicles, which are becoming more widespread across Nigeria’s transport industry.

As of the time of filing this report, Silver Travel & Luxury Bus management has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.