A white SUV caught fire early Sunday evening at the Gate gas station on Emerson Street near Philips Highway in Jacksonville, causing panic among nearby witnesses who feared a massive explosion.

Tiffany Parker, who recorded the scene from across the street, described hearing popping noises as the car’s windows shattered and the fire grew larger.

“There was fear. People were screaming...Everyone was worried about the workers at the gas station and at Wendy’s,” Parker said.

Another witness, closer to the gas station parking lot, shared the fear of an explosion.

“It was scary, especially when you hear the tires pop from the heat and the noises. We thought it was going to explode.”

Witnesses and a gas station employee inside the store confirmed the SUV was already on fire when the driver p

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