Srinagar, October 5 (Scoop News) – A three-wheeler caught fire at a petrol pump when the driver lit his cigarette while filling petrol at Sonawar. The driver had been warned by the staff not to smoke as it is prohibited but he defied their instructions and as soon as he lit his cigarette the petrol caught fire and within minutes his three-wheeler was in flames.
According to Head Disaster Management, Aamir Ali that the alert staff of the Srinagar Garages petrol pump located at Sonawar immediately informed Fire Services and Police. One of the staff members Syed Mustafa son of Syed Ahmed of Amdakadal, Bagwanpora, grabbed an AB type fire extinguisher and brought the fire under control. With the help of other fire extinguishers he ensured that the petrol tanks and pumps do not catch fire. The volunteer had recently undergone fire fighting training from Oil company as well as Civil Defence. In the meantime, fire tenders reached the spot and brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading. CRPF and Police played an active role in putting out the fire alongwith the local people.
Head Disaster Management, Aamir Ali alongwith SHO Ram Munshibagh, Nazir Ahmed also reached the spot and supervised the fire fighting operations. During this process one of the employees of the filling station Gulzar Ahmed Chopan suffered serious burn injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where his condition is said to be stable. The auto driver Inayat Hussain Bhat S/o Ghulam Mohammed Bhat R/o Nishat has been arrested by SHO Ram Munshibagh and a case registered. In case the staff member had not risked his life to extinguish the fire the entire VVIP area of Gupkar would have got affected. Addl Director General Police, Civil Defence, Home Guards and Auxiliary Police, Dr Ram Lubhayya has announced cash reward for the volunteer. Div Com Kashmir, Abdul Majid Mir & Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo have also appreciated Syed Mustafa for the exemplary show of courage. Div Com has also directed the hospital authorities to provide proper medical care to the injured person.