Fuel pumps being cleaned after MAPCO gas mix-up; company to pay for damage

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - The pumps at two MAPCO gas stations that were involved in a fuel mix-up are being cleaned and will soon be back up and running, according to a representative from MAPCO.

Ruth Picha, a spokeswoman for MAPCO, told WAFF 48 News a third party fuel supplier made a mistake and put diesel fuel into regular unleaded tanks at two gas stations on Monday.  

MAPCO plans to pay for any and all damage. If you are interested in making a claim you should call the MAPCO customer service number at 855-469-6272.

This led to dozens of cars having engine problems and stalling on Madison County roads, a story you saw only on WAFF 48 News on Tuesday morning.

Tow trucks from multiple companies could be seen at 11:00 on Monday night hauling off vehicles from pumps from the MAPCO at Memorial Parkway and University Drive in Huntsville. The mix-up also happened at the MAPCO on County Line Road and Highway 72. No other MAPCO stations were affected.

Picha tells us the MAPCO on Memorial Parkway and University Drive is not pumping fresh fuel. But the MAPCO on County Line Road and Highway 72 is up and running with fresh fuel.

The problem does not seem to be widespread. We checked at area MAPCO's on Chapman Mountain, Winchester Road and locations near Madison. Managers reported no issues and pumps were operating normally.

Affordable Towing towed at least a dozen cars from Memorial Parkway/University Drive, Jeff Road/Highway 72, and County Lane.

Mayhall Towing towed one car from Memorial Parkway/University Drive.

Mike's Wrecker Service towed nine cars from Memorial Parkway/University Drive.

If you experienced any issues, call MAPCO's customer service department at 855-469-6272 and they can also be contacted by email at loyaltyconcerns@mapcoexpress.com

MAPCO issued the following statement on Tuesday:

On December 19, 2016, a third party supplier added diesel fuel to the unleaded pumps by mistake. This happened at two MAPCO locations; Highway 72 and Memorial Parkway in Huntsville and on Highway 72 and County Line Road in Madison.

Ruth Picha, Director of Marketing for MAPCO said, "MAPCO will take full responsibility and will do everything possible for our guests to resolve the matter. Both sites have all fuel lines cleaned and fresh fuel is available. Additionally, MAPCO will fully accept financial responsibility for affected guests".

For any guest who is experiencing issues with their vehicle after visiting one of these two locations, MAPCO is encouraging them to call the MAPCO dedicated claims number at (844) 413-4044.

At this time, MAPCO is unsure how many drivers in total are impacted, but we are assuring the public that MAPCO will cover all costs incurred due to the gasoline mix up.

"We are taking multiple steps, internally and with our suppliers, to ensure we provide our guests with everything needed to resolve this situation. We are fully committed to resolving this issue and appreciate the overwhelming amount of patience we're receiving from our guests", stated Andy Scoggins, Chief Executive Officer of MAPCO.

For any additional questions, customers may also contact the Customer Service email at loyaltyconcerns@mapcoexpress.com

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