They filled up with fuel and their cars began to fall apart:

Dozens of drivers in the French commune of Périgueux were left stunned after visiting a gas station operated by the retail chain E-Leclerc. Shortly after filling their vehicles with fuel, their cars began losing power one after another, leading to widespread breakdowns on the road. This prompted multiple tow truck services to intervene. Once the affected vehicles were taken to auto repair shops, mechanics discovered an alarming sight inside the fuel tanks, instead of clean diesel, they found a thick mixture containing mud and water. The contamination was traced back to severe weather conditions that hit the region. The gas station management confirmed that heavy rainfall had caused water to infiltrate underground storage tanks, mixing with the diesel fuel. This contaminated blend led to catastrophic failures in modern diesel engines, including damaged high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors. Repair costs are estimated to range between €4,000 and €8,000 per vehicle. Additional expenses such as towing the cars and renting replacement vehicles have placed further financial strain on the affected drivers. While representatives from Leclerc stated that technical issues have been resolved and that the company is in contact with affected customers regarding compensation for damages, many drivers complain that insurance companies have yet to pay out funds. As a result, some have turned to Facebook to create a mutual aid group and apply collective legal pressure. The group has already gathered nearly a hundred affected car owners. A similar incident occurred in Germany during the summer of 2025 at a Globus gas station in Thuringia. There, water infiltration into the diesel supply caused damage to several vehicles, with repair costs ranging from €8,000 to €20,000. Insurance coverage was only provided after legal action was initiated by lawyers. The situation in Périgueux highlights concerns over the vulnerability of modern diesel engines to fuel contamination. Mechanics noted that the presence of water and mud in the fuel system can lead to immediate and severe mechanical failure due to the sensitivity of high-pressure components. Some experts suggest that regular fuel quality checks could help prevent such incidents, though this is not currently standard practice at all stations. In response to the crisis, local authorities have begun investigating whether proper maintenance protocols were followed at the E-Leclerc station. Meanwhile, consumer protection groups are urging greater transparency and accountability from fuel retailers. They argue that the public should be informed more promptly if there are risks associated with fuel quality. Some drivers expressed frustration over the lack of immediate assistance from the gas station operator. While Leclerc officials claim they are working to resolve the issue, affected individuals say they were left waiting for days before receiving any form of support. Others pointed out that the company’s initial response did not include clear instructions on how to proceed with insurance claims or repairs. Legal experts warn that the situation could set a precedent for future disputes involving fuel-related damages. With insurance companies often taking time to process claims, victims may face prolonged periods without compensation. In the case of the German incident, it took months before payouts were made following legal intervention. As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining whether the contamination was an isolated accident or part of a broader pattern. For now, the affected drivers are left dealing with the aftermath of what they describe as a costly and unexpected disaster.