Circle K in Charleston Faces Legal Trouble Over Contaminated Gas

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Customer examining vehicle after refueling at Circle K

News Summary

A local Circle K in Charleston is facing a lawsuit after allegations of selling water-contaminated diesel fuel that damaged a customer’s vehicle. Edreone Brockington filed the lawsuit following significant engine issues encountered after refueling. An investigation by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture confirmed fuel contamination, leading Circle K to halt sales. Concerns about quality control in the fuel industry have arisen among customers, as legal proceedings begin over accountability for the incident.

Circle K in Charleston Faces Legal Trouble Over Contaminated Gas

Charleston, a vibrant city known for its historical charm and beautiful coastline, finds itself at the center of a troubling situation involving a local Circle K. The convenience store, located at 2572 Ashley River Road, is being sued after allegations surfaced about selling water-contaminated diesel fuel that apparently damaged a customer’s vehicle.

The Incident

The controversy began on January 9, 2025, when a customer named Edreone Brockington filled up his truck with diesel fuel at this Circle K location. Shortly thereafter, he encountered a series of engine issues that raised alarms. Brockington experienced sensor warnings, a noticeable loss of power, and eventually mechanical failure—all worrying signs that something was seriously wrong.

Official Actions

Seeking accountability for the issues with his vehicle, Brockington took the significant step of filing a lawsuit against Circle K on March 14, 2025, in Charleston County. To back up his claim, he contacted the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to report the problem, triggering an investigation into the fuel quality at the convenience store.

Upon examination, the SCDA conducted tests on the fuel purchased on that fateful January day, and the results were less than favorable. The tests revealed water and sediment contamination in the diesel fuel. Adding to the concern, the SCDA had already received two prior complaints the day before from other customers regarding the same fuel quality issues.

Circle K’s Response

In light of the findings, Circle K was compelled to halt fuel sales the day following the SCDA’s initial testing. Under regulatory action, the convenience store must identify the source of the contamination and introduce corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future. After taking the necessary steps to rectify the situation, follow-up testing by the SCDA on January 30, 2025, indicated that the fuel was safe for sale once again.

Circle K suggested that the contamination might have originated from water seeping into an underground storage tank. Regardless of the cause, concerns remain high among customers who expect a certain level of quality from their fuel suppliers.

Legal Battle Ahead

Brockington’s lawsuit is significant; he is seeking unspecified damages from Circle K for what he describes as the company’s failure to properly test the fuel before making it available to customers. His attorney, Johnny Driggers, has emphasized that pursuing litigation became essential due to Circle K’s lack of accountability in this matter.

Circle K’s Background

Circle K is not just a local chain; it is part of Alimentation Couche-Tard, a corporation that operates in 29 countries with approximately 17,000 stores under its belt. Recently, the company has been eyeing a potential acquisition of the renowned 7-Eleven convenience stores, which could further expand its influence in the convenience retail market.

What it Means for Customers

This incident serves as a stark reminder of just how critical quality control is in the fuel industry. With customers relying on gas stations for safe and reliable fuel every day, knowing that issues like contamination can arise is certainly concerning. Residents of Charleston will be watching closely to see how this legal situation unfolds and what measures Circle K will implement to ensure the safety and quality of their products in the future.