Drunk man sets fire to petrol pump after employee’s ‘dare’, child narrowly escapes in southern India
by Aditi VermaAn inebriated man set off a fire at a petrol station after being provoked by a pump employee in southern India’s Telangana. The reckless act, captured on CCTV, endangered the lives of several people, including a young child, but swift actions averted a potential catastrophe.
The incident took place at the Indian Oil petrol station located in Mallapur, Hyderabad, under the jurisdiction of the Nacharam Police Station on October 26.
Visuals showed the man identified as Chiran, reportedly intoxicated, engaged in a dangerous stunt. Upon arriving at the petrol pump visibly under the influence, he was seen holding a cigarette lighter. Arun, an employee at the station, allegedly provoked Chiran, questioning if he “had the guts” to ignite the lighter. This taunt escalated the situation, as Chiran immediately responded by lighting up the lighter, sparking a sudden fire while fuel was being dispensed into a scooter. Customers and employees, including a woman with a young child, fled in shock and fear as flames erupted. The child narrowly avoided the flames that reached dangerously close.
Witnesses reported that Chiran appeared to have kicked the flames toward the crowd, heightening the tension at the scene. Fortunately, employees quickly extinguished the fire, averting a potential explosion that could have had disastrous consequences in the bustling Nacharam area.
The police arrived promptly, arresting both Chiran and the employee Arun, who had reportedly provoked the incident. Inspector G Rudvir Kumar of the Nacharam Police condemned the actions, stating, “This dangerous act not only put lives at risk but could have caused a catastrophic explosion, especially in this crowded area with heavy traffic.”
Both men have been charged with mischief by fire and explosives and will be presented in court. Officials confirmed that both are residents of Bihar and warned against such reckless behavior that endangers public safety.
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