Petrol station near Gouda destroyed in failed suicide attempt

Photo: Depositphotos.com
Photo: Depositphotos.com

The huge fire at petrol station on the A12 near Gouda on Saturday night was caused by a man trying to commit suicide by driving into a petrol pump, police said on Sunday.

The 33-year-old man from Almere drove into the pump which then burst into flames. The blaze destroyed all the pumps and the shop plus several cars. A member of staff was able to shut down the pipelines, preventing the blaze from reaching the main tanks.

Another customer at the petrol station dragged the car driver to safety. He had sustained a broken elbow but no other injuries. No-one else was injured.

The driver remains in custody on charges of arson and attempted murder.

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