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PETROL PUMP BURSTS INTO FLAMES

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NHLANGANO – A petrol pump burst into flames at a filling station in Nhlangano, causing untold panic.


The incident occurred at Puma Filling station, which is located right at the centre of the small town, shortly after 10am, causing dozens of people to run helter-skelter in fear for their lives.
No one seems to be certain about what might have caused the fire, but some even suggested that yesterday’s scorcher could have contributed.


Narrating the events leading to the incident, a petrol attendant said he was standing nearby the pumps with colleagues when they suddenly heard strange sounds coming from the direction of two metal pipes situated next to one of the petrol pumps.
There are three petrol pumps at the filling station, but no one was filling up any car when the petrol attendants suddenly had spark-like sounds coming from the pipes.


“We were all asking ourselves what was happening when all of a sudden there was a thick cloud of smoke coming out of one of the petrol pumps. Within moments, it burst into flames. At the time, everyone seemed to be running away and I also joined in fear for my life,” he narrated.
A convenience shop, which is also part of the filling station, had to close immediately after the pump burst into flames. The same situation prevailed for other business establishments situated closer to the filling station, including a pharmacy.


Surprise


Patel Mohammed, who runs the nearby pharmacy, said the sudden turn of events took them by surprise. Mohammed explained that he was completely baffled as to how the fire was ignited as there was no one close to the pumps at the time.
He said the reaction was spontaneous, as he found himself handing out a fire extinguisher in a bid to put out the flames.
At that moment some people were running away, while curious individuals tried to move closer in order to ascertain what was happening.


“We all panicked because it was a filling station burning, and we were afraid there could be a huge explosion. So, we tried to put out the fire with our chemical extinguishers but to no avail.
“However, I must give credit to the Fire and Emergency Personnel for their swift response,” remarked Mohammed.

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