NORWOOD (CBS) — Hundreds of cars queued for hours overnight waiting in Norwood for a chance to get a free tank of gas.
Patrick Haines said he was the first person in line at 9:30 p.m. Thursday for the free gas giveaway, which began just before 7 a.m. Friday at Rojo’s Route 1 car wash.
“I just decided to hold on because I wanted to make sure I got the gas,” Haines said. “I can’t stress it enough like it’s such generosity.”
Auto magnate Ernie Boch Jr. paid for it and said on social media that up to 7,000 gallons would be given away on a first come, first served basis.
“I started thinking, ‘What can we do? What could I do? how could we do that And then April Fuel’s Day,'” Boch Jr. told WBZ-TV.
And many other drivers took part in the raffle.
“I had the day off so I thought why not? Besides, I was almost empty anyway,” said another driver.
“I figured I’ll be home and play on my phone. I can sit in my car and play on my phone and get gas,” Braintree’s Sheila Rubino told WBZ.
The line was shut down just after 8 a.m
Our officers worked closely with staff from@ErnieBochJr& RoJo is this morning. The free gas is gone now. pic.twitter.com/eIdOgWE8zj
— Chief Brooks (@ChiefBrooksNPD) April 1, 2022
Boch Jr. said he just wanted to bring some relief to motorists in his hometown.
The free gas line at Rojo’s Car Wash on Route 1 in Norwood, April 1, 2022. (WBZ-TV)
“Seven thousand gallons, depending on the octane, is about $30,000, so that’s a lot of gas and should last about 400 people, so it’ll be fine,” he said.
Boch Jr. said he will consider doing another free gasoline giveaway at some point in the future.
Gasoline at Rojo’s was $4.15 a gallon at their 12 pumps prior to the giveaway.
“It has been a tough year for many families. And for him to do that is more than gracious,” said Melissa Lacharite of Dedham.
Gasoline was free for a few hours on April 1, 2022 at Rojo’s Car Wash on Route 1 in Norwood. (WBZ-TV)
Norwood Police Chief Bill Brooks told WBZ the department met with Boch Jr.’s team on Wednesday about handling the event.
Gas prices in Massachusetts averaged $4.21 a gallon on Friday, and AAA said this week that “increased prices will likely be the norm” through spring.