As you embark on a journey to reunite with your family and loved ones, the presence of gas cylinders as travel companions should not be a startling sight. Amidst the official oversight of their perilous existence among the throngs of passengers, these cylinders may tragically become the barrier between you and your destination. A violent explosion could snatch your soul from deep within and scatter your body into fragments along the roadside.
Incidents of gas explosions within public transport buses have evolved into a perilous and heartbreaking phenomenon that repeats itself in numerous locations. Bombs are snatching the lives of citizens across the Yemeni provinces, all while responsible authorities falter in providing the requisite safety standards.
This alarming trend unfolds against a backdrop of various factors, including poverty, unemployment, and economic decline as a result of the conflict and the shortage in fuel. These elements have propelled transportation modes, particularly buses, towards utilizing household gas cylinders as a substitute for gasoline, disregarding the safety and security of traveling passengers from accidents and fires. The resultant dangers are starkly evident, as exemplified by a recent tragic bus accident in Naqil Sumara, Ibb Governorate in central Yemen, where nine lives were lost and six others were injured due to a gas explosion. This distressing reality underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight to safeguard the lives of Yemeni citizens as they navigate their daily commutes.
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A report issued by a parliamentary committee in 2019, as reviewed by "Khuyut," highlights the alarming prevalence and circulation of over six million or more gas cylinders that are deemed unsuitable for use, having surpassed their operational readiness for years. It is noted that a gas cylinder has a specified lifespan that does not exceed 15 years.
Moreover, Naqil Sumara bore witness to another tragic incident on June 15, 2024, when a devastating explosion and fire consumed a gas-powered bus carrying 12 passengers. Originating from the Shara'b Al-Rawna district, the passengers were on a journey from Sana'a to Taiz Governorate in southwestern Yemen to commemorate the previous Eid Al-Adha holiday.
Abdullah Mohammed Ali Farhan, who lost his friend Engineer Najib Hassan Redman and his son Mohammed in the blazing bus in Naqil Sumara, described the event as both heart-wrenching and catastrophic. The news of losing dear ones in such a horrific and tragic manner struck like lightning, leaving their families and loved ones in a state of shock beyond words.
Further, it has come to light that the proprietors of gas-powered buses in urban areas have been identified for storing gas cylinders beneath passenger seats, a practice that undeniably raises grave safety concerns. Furthermore, the alarming behavior of some passengers who casually place petrol gallons on seats without regard for safety protocols adds to the potential hazards within these buses. The absence of clear communication concerning smoking prohibitions only serves to magnify the risks involved.
A report issued by a parliamentary committee in 2019, as reviewed by "Khuyut," highlights the alarming prevalence and circulation of over six million or more gas cylinders that are deemed unsuitable for use, having surpassed their operational readiness for years. It is noted that a gas cylinder has a specified lifespan that does not exceed 15 years.
This perilous trend continues to escalate amidst growing criticism regarding the utilization of household gas as a petrol alternative. The lack of regard for the safety and security of passengers in light of the potential accidents and fires stemming from these cylinders is deeply concerning. Placing these gas cylinders in a rudimentary fashion inside the bus, adjacent to passengers, not only poses a grave risk but also jeopardizes their lives. Urgent measures are imperative to address this pressing issue and safeguard the well-being of all individuals relying on public transportation.
Escalating Incidents of Gas Cylinder Explosions
The alarming trend of bus explosions resulting in the loss of citizens' lives, as documented by "Khuyut," continues to unfold without concrete solutions or stringent regulations. One such incident occurred on March 28, 2024, when a fire engulfed a small public transport minibus, carrying only six passengers, in the bustling streets of the Mansoura district in Aden Governorate. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the potential for tragedy loomed large.
Adding to the distressing narrative, on June 6, 2024, chaos erupted at the bus station market in the Yafa'a La'bous district of Lahij Governorate as flames engulfed a passenger bus of the "Foxy" type. The panic and disorder in the area were set off by the explosion of a gas cylinder, as the bus engine was converted from petrol to gas without considering safety measures. These harrowing events serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and strict adherence to regulations in the transportation sector to prevent further tragedies and protect the lives of passengers.
Moreover, delving deeper into the chronicle of unfortunate events, a devastating incident unfolded on April 5, 2022. Within the eastern expanse of Taiz Governorate, a harrowing gas cylinder explosion rocked a passenger bus along the Naqil Al-Ibil route in the Khadeer district, leading to the tragic loss of ten precious lives.
In another harrowing incident on May 11 of the same year, a bus caught fire in the bustling Arhab market of Sana'a Governorate due to gas leakage. The absence of adequate safety protocols and security measures exacerbated the situation, prompting concerns raised by citizen Anwar Al-Suraimi about the negligence of bus drivers, who recklessly store gas cylinders beneath passengers' seats, putting lives at grave risk.
Safety Concerns During Long-Distance Bus Travel in Yemen
Yemenis frequently undertake journeys for various occasions, including religious holidays and celebrations. This is particularly common among those working in cities like Sana'a and Aden but residing in rural areas. With limited transportation options available, buses become the primary mode of travel. Passengers typically coordinate with drivers two days prior to the journey to secure their seats, with the driver determining the departure time and fare.
Hassan Ali, a traveler faced with the situation of traveling with a driver who had two gas cylinders in his vehicle for the journey between Sana'a and Aden, perceived this as a risky endeavor to cover such a distance using a gas-operated vehicle.
In his discussion with "Khuyut" regarding his experience traveling with gas cylinders, Hassan raised concerns about why the General Authority for Regulating Land Transport allows buses to use household gas as an alternative to petrol without prioritizing the safety and security of passengers from potential accidents and fires. He, along with numerous other Yemenis, emphasizes the urgency of prohibiting buses carrying gas and petrol cylinders, particularly those operating on long-distance routes between provinces.
Hassan adds, "These gas-modified buses pass through numerous security checkpoints, and we encounter many traffic officers stationed at city entrances during our journey from the capital Sana'a to Aden. Despite this, none of them seem to care or caution the bus driver, even when the number of passengers exceeds the permitted limit according to the regulations governing internal transport, which is a safety violation."
Ameen Noaman, a dedicated traffic officer, emphasizes to "Khuyut," the inherent dangers of storing household gas cylinders inside transportation vehicles alongside passengers. He highlights that this practice poses multiple risks, as it not only endangers lives but also puts property at risk. Ameen notes with concern that this concerning phenomenon is on the rise, leading to an increase in accidents, primarily due to the lax enforcement of regulations and laws by the responsible authorities.
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Some bus drivers engage in the risky practice of replacing gas cylinders while passengers are on board, using worn-out and unfit cylinders that are not suitable for operation. This highlights a significant neglect in maintaining such vehicles and a complete absence of oversight from the relevant regulatory authorities.
Terrifying Possibility of a Vehicle Explosion Endangering Lives
Due to deteriorating living conditions, many Yemenis are compelled to undertake risky internal travels between cities, covering distances exceeding 200 kilometers. They endure overcrowded buses, exceeding weight limits and available space, with about five passengers squeezed into a single seat for hours in extreme congestion. This perilous situation is often attributed to the drivers' greed, prioritizing profit over passenger safety and well-being.
As monitored by "Khuyut," the alarming practice of passengers bringing petrol gallons onboard and casually positioning them beside their seats without regard for safety measures is worrisome. Furthermore, the failure of drivers to caution against smoking within the bus poses a grave risk of a potentially catastrophic fire or explosion in case of a gas leak, endangering the lives of all passengers on board.
Moreover, the excessive load of luggage, including multiple gas cylinders that passengers sometimes bring along, being placed on the bus, adds to the risks. This situation, coupled with the bus running on gas, amplifies the hazards of the journey and instills a sense of dread regarding a potentially fatal conclusion.
Naeef Mahmoud, a civil defense employee, underscores to "Khuyut" that the primary issue stems from the lack of awareness among bus and vehicle drivers regarding the risks associated with using or transporting gas cylinders on passenger vehicles, and the potential consequences that could result from such actions. This is further exacerbated by the absence of adequate safety and security protocols in transportation operations, as well as the lax enforcement by the land transport authority and relevant agencies when it comes to addressing safety violations and implementing preventive measures.
Iman Hazam's decision to board a public transport bus in Sana'a, despite her initial reservations, led to a harrowing experience during her journey from the Tahrir area to Al-Hasabah. In her conversation with "Khuyut," she recounted her immediate unease upon noticing a gas cylinder positioned under a passenger seat on the bus. This discovery filled her with intense fear, as she anticipated the imminent risk of a fire or explosion, particularly due to the presence of several passengers smoking onboard. Some individuals went as far as jeopardizing the safety of those around them by lighting cigarettes near the potentially explosive gas cylinder, heightening the already dangerous situation.
During the months of August and December 2023, the Yemeni Standards, Metrology, and Quality Control Organization at the Afar Center took action by destroying 6,000 Italian-made gas cylinder valves that did not meet the approved standards. These valves were equipped with two screws, whereas the standard specification dictates that the valve should have only one screw. Additionally, crucial information such as the standard number and production batch was not recorded on the valves.
It is truly concerning to hear about the careless actions of some bus drivers who change gas cylinders while passengers are still on board, especially when the cylinders are in poor condition and unfit for use. This negligence in maintaining the safety of vehicles, combined with the lack of supervision from authorities, poses a serious risk to the well-being of passengers.
Social media platforms are flooded with heartbreaking accounts of individuals who have become victims of accidents stemming from gas explosions in buses and other modes of transportation, regardless of whether these incidents occur within urban areas or during journeys between different provinces. These stories serve as a stark reminder of the critical necessity for thorough maintenance practices and robust regulatory oversight to avert such calamities and safeguard the well-being of passengers and commuters.
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The recurring incidents of bus explosions claiming the lives of citizens, as highlighted by "Khuyut," continue to unfold in the absence of effective solutions and enforcement of regulations. A recent example occurred on March 28, 2024, when a fire broke out in a public transport bus (with a capacity of six passengers) on a busy street in the Al-Mansoura district of Aden province. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in this particular incident.
Lack of Maintenance and Safety Measures
The Yemeni Consumer Protection Association in Sana'a is demanding immediate intervention from relevant authorities to regulate the use of household gas in vehicles. "Khuyut" has documented numerous memos sent by the association to the Municipality of Sana'a, urging the prohibition of buses from using household gas instead of petrol.
One such memo was submitted in December 2018, where the Consumer Association requested the Mayor of Sana'a to forbid buses and vehicles running on gas from using household gas cylinders. This was due to the lack of security and safety in these cylinders, posing risks to both passengers and the means of transportation. They also called for the opening of dedicated stations for refueling these vehicles.
In the following year of 2019, during the same month, the Yemeni Consumer Protection Association issued an official memorandum to the General Manager of the gas company. They urged the activation of maintenance for gas cylinders that were leaking, responsible for approximately 70% of fire incidents nationwide. They advocated for the replacement of faulty cylinders, as consumers were charged maintenance fees of 10 riyals for each refill, which added to the overall cost.
During the months of August and December 2023, the Yemeni Standards, Metrology, and Quality Control Organization at the Afar Center took action by destroying 6,000 Italian-made gas cylinder valves that did not meet the approved standards. These valves were equipped with two screws, whereas the standard specification dictates that the valve should have only one screw. Additionally, crucial information such as the standard number and production batch was not recorded on the valves.
Time to Enforce the Law
Yemeni law defines land transportation as any act involving the movement of people, goods, services, animals, and other items from one place to another using designated land transport methods through roads and railways. A passenger is defined as any individual utilizing any means of passenger transport within cities, while a traveler is someone using any means of passenger transport between cities for international or tourist purposes.
Regarding the guarantee of passenger or traveler safety in Yemeni law, Articles 25 and 28 of Law No. 33 of 2003 on land transportation stipulate that the carrier must ensure the safety of the passenger or traveler during the execution of the transportation contract. The implementation of the transportation contract covers the period from the passenger or traveler boarding the transport vehicle at the point of departure to disembarking at the destination. Furthermore, the carrier is not permitted to evade responsibility for ensuring passenger safety or for delays unless they can prove that the harm resulted from irresistible force or the passenger's fault, with the carrier remaining accountable for unforeseen accidents.
Article 37 of Law No. 46 of 1991, which pertains to traffic regulations, explicitly prohibits any vehicle from carrying a load or passengers beyond the weight or number authorized by the licensing authority as indicated in the vehicle license. This regulation is crucial in ensuring road safety and preventing accidents caused by vehicles operating beyond their designated capacity.
In conclusion, the time has indeed come to enforce the law and strengthen safety measures, especially given the escalating number of accidents and resulting casualties due to the chaos surrounding the use of household gas as fuel in internal transportation vehicles and buses. It is imperative for authorities to take decisive action to regulate and monitor compliance with transportation laws and safety regulations to prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of passengers and commuters. Strict enforcement of regulations, such as those governing vehicle weight and passenger limits, is crucial to maintaining safety standards and preventing avoidable accidents on the roads.
