Fire tragedy averted at petrol pump

Gangtok, Aug 12 (UNI) A major fire tragedy at a petrol pump was averted today by the timely intervention of the fire and police officials at Tadong in Lower Gangtok.

A suspected gas cylinder blast at the staff room of the pump at 1930 hrs triggered the fire, which quickly engulfed the nearby cans of the highly inflammable mobil at the adjoining room and erupted into a towering inferno.

According to local drivers, there are four underground tanks of petrol and diesel with a total capacity of 12,000 litres at the pump.

'' Had the tanks caught fire, it would have been a catastrophe as the area is doted with closely constructed buildings,'' said a senior fire officer.

The fire and police personnel doused the fire, which could have reached the petrol and diesel tanks underground.

The pump office was burnt to ashes. However, no causalties were reported.

Investigation was on, Superintendent of Police (East) M S Tuli said.

UNI