COLORADO SPRINGS — A convenience-store gas pump caught fire and exploded Tuesday, killing an 18-year-old woman, police said.
Witnesses told The Gazette newspaper that the pump caught fire after being hit by a pickup that had been struck by a sport utility vehicle.
The woman, who was pumping gas when the fire erupted, was trapped between the pump and a minivan, witnesses said.
“She was standing there screaming, ‘Help me! Help me! I’m going to die,’ ” Greg Alderman said.
The woman was identified as Whitney Hendrickson.
Police Lt. Dave Whitlock said the SUV driver, Kelli Renae McKay, 29, was treated and released for minor injuries. She was cited for careless driving resulting in death, police said. A passenger in the minivan, Julie Podair, 19, escaped unharmed. Staff and wire reports
