Flames Engulf Car While Driver Gets Gas
DENVER (CBS4)- Police are trying to figure out why a car bust into flames at a gas station.
The 1993 Mercedes exploded into flames at the Conoco gas station at 6th Avenue and Santa Fe about 9:30 a.m.
The driver told police before he dropped off his vehicle to have it serviced, he stopped to get gas. As soon as he put the hose in the gas tank, he felt a swishing and then it burst into flames.
"Stuck the pump in the car and two seconds later felt some heat and heard a big 'Whoosh!' like some gas was coming at your face and saw some flames and started running," said driver Will Stoorman.
"We took a look at the video and we're really lucky. Everybody did exactly what you're supposed to do in this situation. The flames ignited and the video shows him immediately sprinting away from the car. The manager here was well trained and he immediately shut down the pumps," said Will's father Sam Stoorman.
No one was hurt but the car was heavily damaged.
Two other gas pumps at the station were burned. All lanes of Santa Fe were closed to traffic during cleanup and investigation.
"For the most part it is safe, it's a safe procedure," said Denver Fire Department spokesman Mark Watson. "All of the things would have to be in place for this to cause a fire."
Investigators are trying to figure out what caused the car to ignite.