CNG VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN FOCUS: ISSUES, CAUSES AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS - an article by Mr. Asim Riaz, Research Engineer/Visiting Lecturer MS Energy Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Over recent weeks 44 people have died in accidents involving public sector transport vehicles converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) in Pakistan, the country with the world’s largest population of natural gas vehicles.
Before discussing the technical aspects of the problem in hand, it is important to mention two things right at the outset which relate to inadequate awareness and incorrect perceptions about the CNG cylinders. It was surprising that electronic and print media persisted in erroneous reporting that the accidents occurred due to bursting/explosion of the CNG cylinders. Add to that, some of the Government departments were also relating these accidents to non-compliance of Hydrostatic testing of CNG cylinders. Both are absolutely wrong impressions. This incorrect reporting has continued to date which has developed serious apprehensions about CNG cylinders in general public.

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