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A bar in the Seville municipality of Los Palacios y Villafranca, which was badly damaged in a fire started by a disgruntled customer, will now have its repair costs covered by the condiment giant Hellman’s.

 

The incident took place on Wednesday August 20 at around 7.00pm, when a man entered Bar Las Postas and ordered food, including a sandwich, and asked for mayonnaise. When the waiter told him the bar did not have any, he asked again on the terrace, but was given the same response by a waitress. Moments later, he left his table, walked to a nearby petrol station, and returned with a bottle of petrol. Without warning, he poured fuel across the bar counter and ignited it.

 

The blaze quickly took hold, causing more than €20,000 worth of damage. Fortunately, local police were able to intervene swiftly, helped by a waitress who had followed the man. They arrested him and took him to a health centre for treatment to burns he suffered.

 

News of the strange and destructive act has caught widespread attention, with many expressing disbelief over the cause of the fire. Now, in an unexpected twist, Hellman’s has announced it will step in to pay for the bar’s repairs.

 

In a message posted on its social media accounts, the US multinational expressed its sympathy with the bar. “We’re sorry we weren’t there. From now on, you can count on us. Let us take care of the repairs, and make sure you never run out of mayonnaise for your sandwiches again,” the company wrote.

 

Bar owner José Antonio Liebre said he was surprised but grateful for the gesture, confirming that Hellman’s and his business will now work together from here on.

 

What began as a bizarre act of rage has ended with an unexpected show of solidarity and gesture of kindness towards a small neighbourhood bar.

 

 

Image: Kelsey Todd/Unsplash