Two pulled from burning car at Palatine gas station

Two people were pulled from a car that caught fire Monday afternoon after crashing into a gas pump at a busy Palatine intersection, according to a longtime clerk at the business.

Shakeel Ahmed, who's worked about 20 years at the Mobil station on the southeast corner of Northwest Highway and Palatine Road, said the car struck the dual pump about 3 p.m.

"A customer pulled the wife and husband out of the car," Ahmed said as he stood near foam that remained on the ground after firefighters doused the pump closest to the minimart.

Ahmed said the driver paid cash inside for his fill-up and was departing the station when his car struck the pump.

"He just hit pump number six and seven and blew up the fire," Ahmed said.

Dry chemical extinguishers were used to put out the fuel fire and suppress vapors. Palatine Fire Department paramedics said the driver and passenger were uninjured in the blaze.

Mobil co-owner Peter Matthew said the crash caused an estimated $50,000 in damage. He said he plans for the station to be open today.

The canopy and exterior of the gas station sustained minor smoke and heat damage, authorities said. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire.

Firefighters from the Rolling Meadows Fire Department, the Elk Grove Township Fire Protection District assisted Palatine fire with the blaze or by manning other stations. Palatine Police assisted at the scene with traffic and crowd control.

Daily Herald staff writer Lee Filas contributed to this report.