A terrifying incident at a petrol pump in Jalandhar has left a young man with severe burn injuries, raising serious concerns about safety protocols during refuelling. The fire, which broke out suddenly while fuel was being dispensed, resulted in the victim suffering burns on a significant portion of his body.
Chilling Details of the Nakodar Road Incident
The accident took place on a Saturday evening at a fuel station located on the busy Nakodar Road. The victim has been identified as Gurjot Singh, a 22-year-old resident of Haibowal. According to preliminary reports from the local police, the sequence of events was both sudden and violent.
Gurjot Singh had arrived at the pump to refuel his motorcycle. As the petrol was being filled, a spark or flame ignited, causing the fuel to catch fire instantly. The young man was engulfed in flames before anyone could react. Bystanders and pump staff acted quickly to douse the fire and prevent a larger catastrophe.
Emergency Response and Medical Condition
Following the emergency response at the scene, Gurjot Singh was rushed to a local hospital for immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to a more advanced medical facility for specialized burn care.
Medical reports indicate that the youth sustained approximately 40% burn injuries. The burns are reported to be on his face, chest, and hands—areas most exposed during the refuelling process. His current condition is stated to be serious but stable as he undergoes treatment.
Police Investigation and Safety Questions
The Jalandhar police have registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the fire. Officials from the Division Number 5 police station are leading the probe. The investigation will scrutinize several critical aspects.
Key areas of focus include checking the mechanical and electrical safety of the fuel dispensing unit, verifying whether standard operating procedures were followed by both the customer and the pump attendant, and examining if there was any negligence involved. The police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol pump to reconstruct the event accurately.
This incident has sparked a debate about adherence to basic safety rules at fuel stations, such as switching off vehicle engines, avoiding use of mobile phones, and ensuring proper grounding of dispensing equipment. Local authorities have emphasized the need for stricter compliance and regular safety audits at all fuel outlets.
Community Reaction and Call for Accountability
The accident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Jalandhar. Residents have expressed their concern over such dangerous mishaps occurring in crowded urban areas. There is a growing demand for accountability and a review of safety measures across all petrol pumps in the region to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic event.
The victim's family is by his side as he fights for recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present hazards associated with flammable materials and the absolute necessity of unwavering vigilance during routine activities like refuelling.
