WATCH | Drunk man starts fire at Hyderabad petrol pump on 'dare'
A man, believed to be in an inebriated condition, was arrested after he started a fire at a petrol pump in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, according to officials.
PTC News Desk: A man, believed to be in an inebriated condition, was arrested after he started a fire at a petrol pump in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, according to officials.
The incident occurred at 7 p.m., when the accused Chiran arrived at a petrol pump in the Nacharam neighbourhood visibly drunk and holding a cigarette lighter.
Arun, a petrol station employee, asked the accused if he planned to light the device. He then dared and provoked Chiran to light it up if "he had the guts". In reaction, the accused ignited a lighter as the employee was dispensing fuel in a scooter, causing an intense burst of flames.
When the fire broke out, there were around 10 to 11 individuals at the petrol pump, including two employees.
A CCTV video of the incident shows a scary moment when a mother and a child standing near the fire make a narrow escape. All of the other persons standing at the petrol pump can be seen racing away.
The police also arrested Arun and charged the duo with mischief by fire and explosives. The police said that both of the accused, who are from Bihar, will be produced in court.
"This dangerous act not only endangered lives but could have resulted in a catastrophic explosion, especially in this congested area with heavy traffic," said Inspector G Rudvir Kumar, Nacharam Police.