Several drivers in South Florida have been dealing with broken down vehicles, and they're blaming bad gasoline for their road woes.
For several vehicles that won't start, they have two things in common: They're broken down at the same Marathon gas station in North Miami, and they had the same gas put in them around the same time on Sunday.
"There was like eight [cars] and then four that the tow truck took with them," explained Sophia Gonzalez, one of the victims whose car was still stuck on Monday.
The Marathon is located at Northwest 135th Street and Memorial Highway.
Sunilda Nadal's car also got stuck here. At first she thought it was mechanical, but that wasn't it, "We charged the battery and everything. We turned it and turned it, nothing. Another truck came by me. Same issue, it was the gas."
To get an expert opinion, NBC 6 went with Sophia to her mechanic. He drained the fuel and concurred the fuel was contaminated.
"The top is water. I need to remove the tank. Clean the whole system and put the new gas in," the mechanic explained.
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NBC 6 was told by a tow truck driver there were all kinds of people breaking down, "There were about 12 to 14 cars down here."
A police report has been filed regarding this situation and an investigation is underway.
Often times, bad gasoline is caused by water in the tank. If you suspect you pumped bad gas in your vehicle, call the Department of Agriculture immediately at 1-800-HELP-FLA. That number should be listed on the pump as well.
You have to report it quickly so the state can test the gas. If tests show it's contaminated, that will help you get a reimbursement.
NBC 6 reached out to Marathon's corporate offices but have not heard back.
