Incident Overview

In a harrowing incident on Monday evening, a man is fighting for his life after a vehicle drove off from a Toronto gas station with the fuel nozzle still attached, resulting in a catastrophic accident. The scene unfolded at around 5:30 p.m. at a Shell gas station located in Etobicoke, near Burnhamthorpe Road and Renforth Drive.

Details of the Incident

According to Toronto police, the drama began when a man in his 20s attempted to leave the station, oblivious to the fact that the fuel hose was still connected to the pump. The abrupt departure yanked the nozzle from its position, causing it to strike an innocent bystander—a man in his 60s. Eyewitnesses reported the chilling moment as the victim was hit in the head, sending him sprawling to the ground. Paramedics quickly arrived on the scene, and the injured man was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently battling life-threatening injuries.

Aftermath and Response

Visuals from the aftermath show the Shell gas station cordoned off by pylons, with one pump visibly missing, likely as a result of the violent incident. By midday Tuesday, crews were already on-site, working diligently to repair the damaged pump and restore normalcy to the busy gas station.

Ongoing Investigation

In the wake of the incident, there are currently no outstanding suspects, and police have not laid any charges as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any information that might aid in piecing together the events leading up to the accident.

Statement from Shell

A spokesperson for Shell expressed their concern in a statement, emphasizing their sympathy for the injured individual and his family during this distressing time. “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the injured individual and their family at this time. We are grateful for the quick action taken by first responders and are currently assisting in the investigation,” the spokesperson noted.

Safety Considerations

As this investigation unfolds, questions arise about the safety measures in place at gas stations and the potential hazards they pose. This shocking event reminds us all to remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas like gas stations. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story.