Hyderabad: A shocking act of recklessness unfolded on Saturday evening when a man, reportedly intoxicated, set off a fire at a petrol pump in Hyderabad after being dared by an employee. Both the man and the employee have been arrested for the dangerous incident.
The incident occurred around 7 PM at a petrol station in the Nacharam area. The accused, identified as Chiran, arrived at the pump holding a cigarette lighter. Arun, one of the employees on duty, allegedly provoked him, saying, “If you have the guts, light it.” In a reckless response, Chiran ignited the lighter while Arun was refueling a scooter, triggering a sudden burst of flames.
The petrol station was bustling with about 10 to 11 people, including two employees, at the time. CCTV footage of the incident captures the terrifying moment as nearby customers, including a woman and child, narrowly escape the flames. Panic ensued as everyone at the pump fled the scene.
Inspector G Rudvir Kumar of the Nacharam Police confirmed that both Chiran and Arun were arrested and charged with mischief by fire and explosives. “This dangerous act not only endangered lives but also had the potential to cause a catastrophic explosion, especially given the crowded location and high traffic in the area,” he said.
Both the accused, who hail from Bihar, will be presented in court. The incident underscores the need for strict safety protocols at fuel stations to prevent such life-threatening situations in the future.
