Contaminated Diesel Fuel Triggers Investigation and Vehicle Breakdowns in Basildon
A serious incident involving contaminated diesel fuel has prompted an official investigation in England, following reports of multiple vehicle breakdowns linked to a petrol station in Basildon. The issue came to light after one driver experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after refueling.
Driver's Costly Ordeal After Fueling Up
Earlier this month, a motorist visited his local petrol station in Basildon and purchased £60 worth of diesel. However, after traveling just 500 yards on the A127, his vehicle abruptly stopped, forcing him to abandon it during rush hour. The driver described to the Basildon Echo how the car began "smoking and spilling" upon breaking down.
When a specialist assessed the vehicle, the technician reportedly stated they had "never seen such a mixture before." The driver, who spent £700 on repairs, expressed frustration, telling the newspaper, "I realised I didn't make the mistake; it was their fault. It has been a right pain."
Social Media Reveals Wider Pattern of Issues
After sharing his experience on social media, the driver received numerous responses from other individuals who had similarly filled up with what they described as "contaminated fuel" at the same location. This suggests the problem may have affected multiple customers, raising concerns about fuel quality and safety standards.
Forecourt Operator Responds and Launches Probe
The forecourt operator, EG On The Move, has acknowledged the issue at their Summerhill Service Station in Basildon, referring to it as "fuel contamination" experienced by some customers. In a statement, the company apologized for the inconvenience and distress caused, emphasizing that fuel quality and safety are "of the utmost importance."
A spokesperson detailed the immediate actions taken: "As soon as this issue was identified, we took immediate steps to secure the site to prevent further customer impact and have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the contamination. Engineers are visiting the site to determine the cause of the underlying issue."
Support Offered to Affected Motorists
The company has advised customers who believe their vehicles have been affected to contact them directly for support and assistance. This proactive approach aims to address the financial and practical burdens faced by drivers, including potential repair costs and vehicle downtime.
The incident underscores the critical importance of fuel integrity in the automotive sector, with local authorities and industry stakeholders likely monitoring the investigation's findings closely to prevent future occurrences.
