Settlement Reached in Tragic 2021 Palm Harbor Gas Station Fire That Claimed Life of Local Mother

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A tragic incident that unfolded just days before Christmas in 2021, claiming the life of a local mother at a gas station, has led to a settlement, according to recent court filings. Sheryll Caballes, a nurse and mother to five children, lost her life in a fire at a Circle K fuel station in Palm Harbor, when another motorist accidentally backed into a fuel pump she was using, causing it to topple onto her.

Surrounded by her two children, including her 14-year-old daughter Savannah, Caballes was tragically pinned between her vehicle and the collapsing fuel dispenser. “The collision was sudden. I felt the impact while sitting in the car and initially, I was confused,” recalled Savannah, who witnessed the horrific event. “My brother and I rushed out to assist her, and I ran to get help while my brother used a fire extinguisher in an attempt to douse the flames,” she detailed.

Despite their efforts, the siblings were unable to rescue their mother. Savannah described the agonizing wait for emergency services as feeling “like forever,” and recounted the stillness that settled once the sirens could be heard, marking a solemn conclusion to their efforts.

In 2022, the Caballes family sought legal recourse, implicating more than 15 defendants, including the petroleum retailer, Circle K, in a lawsuit that spotlighted several alleged safety lapses at the facility. By October of the same year, a settlement was reached with Circle K, though the specific terms remain undisclosed.

“We believe the settlement reached is a positive step for the family, allowing them to move forward from this tragic chapter,” said Richard Millian, the attorney representing the Caballes family. He pointed out that lacking safety infrastructure at the gas station, like an additional bollard, contributed to the severity of the accident. Additionally, Millian highlighted potential malfunctions in the fuel station’s safety features such as the shear valve and the emergency stop button, which may have failed to properly function, exacerbating the fire.

“This accident could have been mitigated with more robust safety measures,” Millian remarked. He shared that their legal team conducted crash tests to demonstrate the efficacy of such safety installations in preventing similar accidents.

Savannah reminisced about her mother’s spirited support of her and her siblings’ extracurricular endeavors and her creative passions, from attending sports events to sewing, which has influenced her own artistic interests. “She was very involved, always encouraging us, even with her busy schedule,” Savannah said.

Over time, the harsh realities experienced have accelerated Savannah’s maturation, pushing her towards independence and a resolved ambition to honor her mother’s memory in her daily life through acts of love and kindness. “It’s about carrying forward her legacy of love, each day and with every achievement, hoping to honor her,” Savannah expressed.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredicted perils everyday activities may carry and underscores the necessity for stringent safety standards and preparedness to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, responses from Circle K’s representatives regarding the settlement and their current safety measures were sought, but no comments have been received.