BOSTON – The quiet evening at ALFA Auto Fuel in Roslindale was disrupted by a startling event on Tuesday night when an SUV crashed into the gas pumps, resulting in a terrifying explosion that caused chaos and panic among customers. The gas station owner, Gloria Nantas, who has been at the station for over 40 years, expressed shock at the unprecedented incident. Her son, Arthur, bravely reacted by using a fire extinguisher to contain the flames before the fire suppression system engulfed the entire parking lot in white foam.
The dramatic scene was captured on surveillance camera, showing the white SUV also colliding with two parked vehicles. The Boston Police Department revealed that the driver mistakenly believed the car was parked when she pressed the accelerator, causing the crash. The consequences of the crash are severe, with one customer devastated to find her just-repaired car completely totaled.
Despite the extensive property damage, Nantas expressed gratitude that no customers were pumping gas at the time, preventing potential fatalities. She remains hopeful of reopening the three functional pumps by Friday morning, although the estimated cost of damage is staggering – potentially exceeding $100,000.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially perilous situations that can unfold at gas stations, prompting authorities and gas station owners to continuously review safety measures and protocols. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the crash, efforts to support the affected gas station and its customers are underway.