Mix-up at Abington gas station leaves dozens of cars with costly repairs

ABINGTON, Mass. — Dozens of cars are in need of costly repairs after a mix-up at a gas station in Abington.

Customers of the Alltown-Mobil on Bedford Street (Route 18) told Boston 25 News they filled up thinking they were selecting premium gas, but the tank below was accidentally filled with diesel fuel.

Jeff Chancholo is one of the many frustrated customers dealing with car troubles after fueling up. He said his engine didn’t sound right. He said the check engine light started blinking and the car was running funny.

“When I started it up, it would shake, like bad, to the point where you’re like, ok, there’s something wrong with the vehicle” Chancholo told Boston 25 News.

After checking Facebook, Jeff’s girlfriend learned others were having the same issue due to the Mobil mix-up. A quick visit to a mechanic confirmed their suspicion.

“Within ten minutes, they called me and said yes, it’s diesel in the gas,” Chancholo said.

Jerry Toppa, who works at SpeeDee Oil Change and Auto Service, said he’s seen the same thing happen before.

“You’ll have to drain the fuel tank first and foremost, clean out all the injections and put some new spark plugs in,” Toppa said. “Nine times out of ten that’s going to solve the issue for you.”

Toppa warns drivers to pay attention to their dashboard alerts and don’t drive too far.

“Your check engine light tells you you’re doing damage to the converter. Shut the car off and get it directly to service,” Toppa said.

Chancholo is now left with a $600 bill, but he said the gas station told him they will cover the cost. He just doesn’t know when.

“To go out of my way to take a day off of work, bring it to the mechanic, have it fixed, take a whole day off of work for them for just to be like here's that money, that doesn't really say 'sorry' to me,” Chancholo said.

Chancholo said he noticed at least 30 other people on a list ahead of him when he spoke with the gas station.

Alltown said impacted customers should call Abenaqui Carriers' insurance claims handler, Gallagher Bassett at 973-644-5904.

Alltown's full statement:

On Tuesday, September 25th, Abenaqui Carriers, a third-party trucking company, delivering fuel to the Alltown on Route 18 in Abington inadvertently unloaded 1,500 gallons of Diesel fuel into the Super-grade fuel tank. After discovering the issue, the Super-grade fuel tank was shut down, emptied, cleaned and replaced with the proper product. As of this morning, all tanks are functioning properly. At this time, Alltown is routing all incoming inquiries from customers impacted by this mistake to Abenaqui Carriers insurance claims handler, Gallagher Bassett, who is responsible for processing all claims. For customers who want to file their claims directly, they can call Gallagher Bassett at 973-644-5904. We are disappointed that Abenaqui Carriers actions caused any issues with our customers. We are aggressively following up to determine how such a mistake happened and will identify procedures to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Boston 25 News also reached out Abenaqui Carriers for comment.

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