Raipur:Ahorrific incidentwas narrowly avoided at a petrol pump in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur after a man allegedly set a fuel nozzle on fire while trying to smoke, triggering flames on a motorcycle and the pump machine. The incident took place on Thursday evening in the Urla area. Police said two men, identified as Dharmendra Kshatri and Imran, had arrived at the petrol pump on a motorcycle to refuel. While Imran remained seated on the bike, Dharmendra stood next to it as the fuel tank was opened, according to a report.
According to police, Dharmendra then took out a cigarette and tried to light it. When petrol pump staff asked him to stop smoking, he allegedly became angry and used a lighter to set the fuel nozzle pipe on fire. Within seconds, flames spread to the motorcycle’s fuel tank and parts of the pump, creating panic among staff and customers.
As the fire flared up, both the men and some pump staff ran away from the immediate area to save themselves. During the chaos, some burning fuel reportedly splashed on the accused as well, according to a report by Times of India.
Officials said a petrol pump attendant reacted quickly by pulling the fuel pipe away and switching off the main fuel supply. Using the fire safety equipment available at the pump, staff managed to control and extinguish the fire before it could spread further.
Police said the swift action by the pump employees helped prevent a major accident, as the flames could have easily reached nearby vehicles or fuel storage units.
After the incident, the two men allegedly tried to flee, but were caught by petrol pump staff. The pump manager informed the police and lodged a complaint.
Based on the complaint and CCTV footage from the petrol pump, Urla police arrested both accused. Urla inspector Rohit Mahelkar said a case has been registered under sections related to arson and endangering public safety.
Police said further investigation is underway.
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