The Lebanon Fire and Police Departments have concluded their investigation into the cause of the early morning fire at 1902 Indianapolis Ave (BP Fuel Station). The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set by Karmbir Singh, an employee of the BP Fuel Station.
After viewing video evidence, investigators were clearly able to observe Singh soaking several items in gasoline, and those items were later discovered to have been used to start the fire. Singh was the only individual present at the time of the fire. Investigators were unable to interview Mr. Singh immediately following the incident due to the severity of his injuries. Singh succumbed to his injuries Sunday morning.
Original Release on 10-13
After Lebanon Fire’s preliminary investigation, Lebanon Police detectives were contacted. LFD and LPD do not have reason to believe there was anyone else on the property besides the Singh at the time of the fire. This is an ongoing investigation more information will be released.
This morning at approximately 1:57 a.m., Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched to 1902 Indianapolis Ave. in Lebanon on report of a commercial building fire. Lebanon Fire crews arrived on scene at 2:01 a.m. with an ambulance from Boone County EMS. The ambulance crew was directed by law enforcement to a patient identified as an employee of the fuel station, suffering from burns. The patient was immediately treated and transported emergent to Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital for treatment.
Lebanon Fire crews reported fire on the exterior of the main structure with propane tanks burning in the parking lot upon their arrival. Crews made an aggressive attack on the fire and it was marked under control by command at 2:10 a.m. Overhaul efforts were performed by Lebanon and Whitestown Fire crews to ensure the fire was out.
Lebanon Fire Department investigators were called to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation, which is underway. Due to initial observations and statements, it is believed that the fire originated near a propane tank storage cage near the main structure. Interviews, video surveillance on site, and the scene examination have yet to be completed at this time. Once investigators have completed their investigation, additional information will be released.
The fuel station will remain closed at this time due to damage to portions of the electrical system and the interior of the structure, and pending approval from the Boone County Health Department due to food and drink machines in the structure that were exposed to smoke and heat. Indianapolis Ave. is open at this time.