Raipur’s Urla petrol pump became a tinderbox on February 18, all because one man couldn’t stub out his cigarette. Dharmendra Khastri, refueling his bike with friend Imran, defied safety norms by lighting up on-site. When reprimanded, his retaliation was explosive—literally.
Grabbing his lighter, Dharmendra touched it to the petrol nozzle, unleashing flames that licked the bike’s tank and refueling equipment. The station plunged into frenzy, but a vigilant worker’s swift valve shutdown nipped the inferno in the bud.
Captured on video, the close call has exploded online, serving as a viral cautionary tale. Pump authorities wasted no time filing charges, resulting in arrests. The manager praised his team’s response: ‘Presence of mind turned peril into prevention.’
Interviews with investigators reveal Dharmendra’s addiction played a key role in his rash decision. This isn’t isolated; similar lapses have caused fatalities elsewhere. In response, Chhattisgarh police are intensifying outreach on hazards of open flames near fuels.
As the duo faces legal consequences, the episode prompts reflection: in an era of quick tempers and easy vices, adhering to basic safety can be the difference between a fill-up and a funeral.