More than 16 vehicles were disabled due to contaminated gasoline.  Nashville Police say the one thing they all have in common, is receiving fuel from a Murphy Express Gas Station at 1185  Eastern Avenue in Nashville. 

Bobby Lynch a patron at the Murphy Express gas station says his troubles began after he pumped contaminated gas into his mustang. Lynch says he stopped by the gas station on Saturday, 

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“I got gas, I filled up. I drove to work. I got halfway to work, my car cut off right on I-95," Lynch said. 

Lynch had to replace the cam sensor in his Mustang which helps the airflow that controls the gas costing him close to $250

According to a records provided by Nashville police Caleb Shockley, Lynch wasn’t the only victim."Throughout the day I think we towed roughly 16 to 20 cars away. Numerous amount of damage. All had one thing in common, they had left Murphy's," Shockley said. 

WRAL  reached out to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and asked if they were investigating these claims. A spokesperson says they responded to 2 complaints they received on Tuesday. When an inspector arrived, they found high concentrations of water mixed with the gasoline. A notice of violation was issued.

While the state could not determine how the water got into the gasoline, officials did note there was heavy rain in the area over the weekend.

While the gas station remains closed, drivers like Lynch are looking for compensation.

WRAL reached out to Murphy USA via email and phone to get a timeline on repairs and if they’ll compensate the drivers impacted by the bad gas. WRAL is still waiting and pressing for answers. 

State officials says they’ve received one complaint about the gas station last year, but did not find any issues.

Additionally, state officials say once any repair work is done, Murphy Express gas station must reach back out to the state to get another inspection. Once the inspection is passed they can resume gas sales.

WRAL has reported on previous cases of contaminated gas most recently in Holly Springs back in August a Valero station was reported to have contaminated gas by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

Signs to watch for

In cases where gas may be contaminated drivers should watch for these signs. 

  • Check engine light
    • Engine misfiring or rough idling
      • Hard time starting the vehicle
        • Stalling
          • Loss of power

            Previous incidents

            WRAL 5 On Your Side has reported extensively on contaminated fuel throughout Triangle gas stations, including an incident at a Refuel in Apex in which 5 On Your Side was able to secure free repairs for affected customers. As well as the Holly Springs Valero station.