In mid-April 2007, Honda informed ODI of a CNG tank explosion incident that occurred on a subject vehicle.the incident occurred after an arsonist broke into a lot where multiple vehicles, including a subject vehicle, were stored and set the vehicles on fire.during the fire, the pressure relief device (PRD) on the subject vehicle allegedly failed to activate and the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank exploded.the explosion occurred with fire fighters at the scene.no injuries were reported. CNG tanks are subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 304 - compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.this standard requires that each CNG fuel container shall completely vent its contents through a PRD or shall not burst while retaining its entire contents when tested according to the standard's bonfire test procedure. A CNG tank explosion rapidly releases a large quantity of energy and could result in catastrophic injuries, deaths, and property damage. As a result of Honda's testing and review of the involved vehicle, Honda has developed an insulator to insulate the CNG fuel tank from a locally directed flame projecting from the interior of the vehicle.insulators will be installed behind the back seat on subject vehicles to prevent future failures of this type.Honda's action addresses the concerns of ODI.therefore, this investigation is closed.
