Exploding CNG cylinders trigger police crackdown

DIG Traffic advises transporters to install approved kits

LAHORE: Punjab police have decided to launch a massive crackdown in the wake of accidents caused by substandard CNG cylinders in passenger vans.

Inspector General of Police Punjab Captain (Retd) Mohammad Usman Khattak directed the Punjab Traffic DIG to launch a crackdown at service centres and workshops across the province against anyone using substandard cylinders in commercial vehicles.

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After considerations, Punjab Traffic DIG Farooq Mazhar sent a circular to all the district police officers and chief traffic officers and issued orders to this affect. He stated action must be taken against drivers and the transport owners involved in such a practice.

According to the circular, no more than two cylinders can be installed in a Hiace wagon and they should be installed in the trunk of the vehicle and in a separate box with an outer air hole. Similarly, no cylinder or pipe connected with the cylinder should be installed/laid in the passenger cabin.

Traffic police officers were directed to take action against illegal service centres and workshops and register cases against violators. Licensed CNG centres, approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), will remain functional so that cleaning and pressure of cylinders can be maintained.



District traffic police officers were ordered to evolve a strategy to frequently check public service vehicles in future and conduct joint inspections on a regular basis with special checking squads. DIG Traffic Farooq Mazhar requested transporters to install approved CNG cylinders and kits in their vehicles, otherwise strict legal action would be taken against them.

At least six people lost their lives and 24 others were injured when a passenger van caught fire in Multan after a gas cylinder explosion on July 1.  On June 29, at least three passengers died and eight were injured when a gas cylinder exploded inside a van near Shah Kot on Faisalabad Road.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2017.