Boston, MA – The owners of a gas station in Roslindale are facing a major setback after a destructive incident on Tuesday night. Around 7:15 p.m., an Acura RDX driver crashed into the Alfa Auto Fuel gas station on Washington Street, causing significant damage to the property.
Surveillance video captured the moment the SUV pulled into the gas station, backing into a pickup truck and igniting an orange glow from the impact at the gas pump. The vehicle then continued to ram into two parked cars, creating a chaotic scene that could have resulted in a devastating fire.
Arthur Mantas, a member of the family that owns the gas station, described the terrifying experience of witnessing the impact and the subsequent explosion. “All of a sudden, I look up and hear a boom and see huge flames,” he said. “Straight out of a movie.”
Despite the initial chaos, Mantas quickly sprang into action, grabbing a fire extinguisher to combat the flames. However, the situation escalated when the gas station’s fire suppression system activated, releasing a forceful plume of retardant powder that knocked Mantas off his feet.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Acura exited the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind significant damage and chaos. Although the woman was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, no charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
As the investigation continues, the Mantas family is left to deal with the estimated $100,000 worth of damage caused by the destructive drive. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and operation.