Attempted Arson at Maihar Petrol Pump Thwarted by Alert Tanker Driver

Maihar, MP: A potential disaster was narrowly averted at Sardar HP Petrol Pump in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, when an unknown youth attempted to set fire to a parked motorcycle near a fuel tanker late Wednesday night. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the suspect igniting the bike while standing dangerously close to the petrol-laden tanker. Thanks to the vigilance of the tanker driver, a major explosion was avoided.

The Incident

According to local authorities, the incident occurred around 1:30 AM when the petrol pump was closed and staff had gone home. CCTV footage shows the unidentified youth entering the premises, pouring petrol on the motorcycle, and setting it ablaze. During the attempt, his jacket caught fire, but he extinguished it by throwing it to the ground before fleeing the scene.

Narrow Escape from Catastrophe

The tank driver, who was sleeping inside the tanker, woke up due to the sudden commotion. Realizing the imminent danger, he immediately alerted the pump owner, Mitesh Singh, who rushed to the spot with a fire extinguisher. Their quick action prevented the flames from reaching the petrol tanker and underground storage tanks, which could have caused a massive explosion affecting a wide area.

Police Investigation Underway

Police from Maihar Thana arrived at the scene after being informed and secured the CCTV footage. Investigators are now actively searching for the suspect based on his description. Authorities are reviewing the footage to understand the suspect’s movements and motives and are urging the public to share any information that could lead to his identification.

This near-miss highlights the critical importance of vigilance and prompt action in preventing potentially catastrophic accidents at fuel stations.