In a bizarre and dangerous escalation, a young man in Raipur set fire to a petrol pump nozzle after his friend forbade him from smoking during refueling. The dramatic event at Urla petrol pump on February 18 highlights the perils of carelessness around volatile fuels.
Arriving together on a motorcycle, Dharmendra Khastri and Imran were topping up their tank when Dharmendra pulled out a cigarette. Imran’s warning fell on deaf ears; instead, fury took over. Dharmendra struck his lighter against the nozzle pumping petrol into the bike, igniting a blaze that threatened the entire station.
Eyewitnesses described the scene: flames leaping from the tank, smoke billowing, and urgent shouts as staff rushed to disconnect the machine. The employee’s prompt action contained the fire, preventing what could have been an explosion.
Social media is abuzz with the footage, amplifying calls for stricter enforcement of no-smoking rules at pumps. Both individuals were detained following the manager’s report. ‘This was inches from disaster,’ police officials noted during interrogation.
Experts point to rising incidents of such negligence, often fueled by substance habits. The case underscores the need for public education on fuel safety protocols, with local authorities planning enhanced signage and patrols at vulnerable sites.