A video showing a vehicle engulfed in flames at a petrol station has ignited widespread concern about safety precautions at filling stations across the country.
The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, captures a petrol attendant removing a fuel hose moments before a fire suddenly erupts. A passenger is then seen leaping from the vehicle as flames spread rapidly.
While the exact location and date of the incident remain unclear, the dramatic visuals have triggered intense online debate. Social media users have questioned whether proper safety procedures were followed and whether adequate emergency response equipment was available at the station. Some also raised concerns about whether the vehicle had been switched off during refuelling.
Motoring expert Eugene Herbert said although vehicle fires at petrol stations are rare, fuel remains extremely dangerous when basic safety measures are ignored.
“It’s not so much the liquid component that poses the greatest danger, but the gases. If anything is going to ignite, it’s the vapours, which can then set the petrol alight,” Herbert explained.
He warned that poor awareness of refuelling safety significantly increases the risk of preventable accidents and stressed that responsibility lies not only with motorists, but also with filling station operators.
“Petrol stations deal with a highly dangerous substance. Fuel is extremely ignitable, and safety protocols must be followed at all times,” he said.
Experts remind motorists of essential safety precautions when refuelling, including switching off the engine, avoiding smoking and cellphone use near pumps, minimising distractions, choosing parking positions that allow for quick exit if necessary, and ensuring fuel caps are properly secured before driving off.
As the video continues to circulate, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even routine activities can become life-threatening when safety is compromised.