In the aftermath of the recent canopy collapse incident at a petrol station on East Jones Road in Saidapet, Chennai, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries, concerns regarding the structural stability of retail petroleum outlets in the city have come to the forefront. Chennai boasts more than 800 retail petroleum outlets, while the state of Tamil Nadu has approximately 7,000.
The incident, occurring just weeks before the monsoon season, serves as a stark reminder of the need to prioritize safety and maintenance at these facilities, with consumer activists and motorists calling for increased vigilance and regular safety checks.