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Damaged pump spills gas, closes Midlothian Turnpike

Posted at 6:46 AM, Jan 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-18 12:57:35-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police, Fire, and EMS crews responded to a gasoline spill reported at a Raceway gas station on Midlothian Turnpike, near old Warwick Road, in South Richmond. Traffic in the area was being re-routed away from the gas station for safety reasons.

The store owner said surveillance video a white truck slam into one of the fuel pumps overnight in an effort to obtain free gasoline.

The damaged pump spilled approximately 25 - 30 gallons of fuel, Richmond Fire Capt. Earl Dyer said.

Firefighters on scene called the gas spill "significant."

Most of the gasoline was contained to the gas station property. Some of the gasoline, about one to two gallons, spilled into a storm water drain.

The spill was reported at about 6:09 a.m., when employees arrived to work.

Richmond Police said it appeared to be intentionally damaged and the manager reported the suspect attempted to break into the store.

It was initially unclear when the pump was damaged and when the spill began.

Dyer said said Thursday's sub-freezing temperatures helped firefighters in that ice formed around some of the gasoline, keeping it somewhat contained. The cold weather also helped prevent fumes from spreading too far, he said.

No one was injured in this incident.

The owner hoped to reopen his the gas station by Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story.

Witnesses can send news tips and photos here.

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