Sydney service station worker helps stop explosion after bowser torched

A quick-thinking Sydney service station worker helped a massive explosion when a man allegedly tried to set a petrol bowser alight.

The shocking incident unfolded about 2.20am this morning on Regent Street, Chippendale.

CCTV footage shows the man grab a fuel pump and pour petrol all over the ground before lighting it.

Service station worker Syed Abbas told 9News how the man’s apparent odd behaviour quickly turned to an emergency.

“He lit the place alight. He lit the fuel on the floor.

“I was really rattled. I was trying to ring my boss and my hands were so shaking I couldn’t even dial his number.”

The burning fuel at the foot of the bowser rapidly turned to a fireball as the man screamed for an ambulance.

Mr Abbas attempted to grab a forecourt fire extinguisher close to the man but he threatened to douse him with petrol.

Just seconds later, fearing for his life, Mr Abbas hit the emergency cut-off switch and ran.

His action and other safety precautions stopped the fire spreading to 70,000 litres of fuel stored underneath the bowser.

The service station owner, Evan Hansimikali said the business will be forced to close while the bowser is repaired.

He said the man who allegedly started the fire was lucky to escape injury.

“It was amazing the guy didn’t set fire to himself.”

A NSW Police spokeswoman said firefighters raced to the scene but the flames had already been extinguished.

She said the man was arrested and taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown for a mental health assessment and treatment of minor injuries.