Gas station incident a 'mistake'
Um...you might want to consider putting out that cigarette....
GAUTIER -- A man filling up his fishing boat with gas created a scene at Dodge's Store in U.S. 90 early Friday evening when he accidentally stuck the nozzle into the rod holder of his boat. The incident resulted in a small amount of gas spilled onto the pavement around the pumps, but Gautier Fire Department personnel said the danger was minimal.
Authorities said that about 6 p.m., Martin McGrath of Pascagoula was filling his Mako fishing boat when he noticed gas spilling from the drain hole. Fire department authorities said McGrath wasn't looking as he misplaced the nozzle, and about 35 gallons of gas flowed into the hull of the boat....
Earl Etheridge, the on-scene coordinator with the Department of Environmental Quality, said the amount of gas was unknown at first, and they were concerned because the boat had a 200-gallon tank.
"They weren't sure how much he put in there," Etheridge said. "And with gasoline there's two things: flammability and the benzene in the gas causes cancer."
The area was monitored for vapor, Etheridge said, and then they worked to ensure safety and keep from endangering the environment. But there would be no financial repercussions in the matter.
"Mistakes happen," Etheridge said.
Of course they do. That's why the intrepid Mr. McGrath gets our latest DUMB@$$ AWARD. But for some quickthinking fire fighters, McGrath might just be a candidate for a Darwin Award.
