On Saturday, March 1, 2025, a fire broke out at a gas station on International Avenue and 21st Street in the Manuel Crescencio Rejón neighborhood of Mérida, Yucatán. The incident, which caused a great scare among those present and considerable material damage, was attributed to the recklessness of a driver who used his cell phone while refueling.
According to reports, the driver of a van from a private company went to the station to supply two containers of approximately 500 liters of gasoline each. While the first container was filling, the driver used his cell phone, which generated a discharge of static electricity that caused the filling drum to catch fire.
The flames quickly spread to both containers and part of the body of the truck. Fortunately, the gas station dispatchers reacted immediately, using fire extinguishers to put out the fire and thus avoiding a greater tragedy.
Firefighters from the Ministry of Public Security (SSP) went to the scene to secure the area and carry out the pertinent procedures. No injuries were reported, but the incident left considerable material damage and highlighted the importance of following safety measures when handling flammable substances.
This event highlights the need to avoid electronic devices, such as cell phones, during refueling due to the risk of generating sparks due to static electricity that can start fires.
TYT Newsroom
