Security camera footage from a gas station in the Californian town of Ceres has captured the moment the driver of a Nissan Maxima slammed into a gas pump.
Behind the wheel of the Maxima was a 23-year-old woman accused of driving under the influence. She can be seen speeding across the road before smashing into the gas pump. The force of the impact throws the pump to the ground while the Nissan briefly gets airborne.
Fire can be seen engulfing the gas pump but fortunately, a safety system meant that when it was hit, emergency shear valves immediately shut off the fuel flow, preventing a massive explosion had the underground tank exploded.
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The damage caused to the Maxima was comprehensive. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, steam can be seen billowing out from the hood and the entire front fascia has been crumpled. The airbags of the sedan were also deployed.
Things could have been much worse. Had the 23-year-old driver crashed into the gas pump just a few feet further to the right, she would have slammed into at least two people standing next to a red Chevrolet Tahoe. After the crash, they can be seen running away to safety.
Fire crews quickly responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze. Authorities arrested the woman and charged her with driving under the influence and child endangerment as her 4- and 5-year-olds were in the car. Fortunately, they were not hurt, nor was anyone else.