A van ploughed into fuel pumps at West Ballina’s BP service centre on Friday morning, sparking an emergency response that firefighters say could have been far worse.

The crash happened just before 11am when the vehicle, which had allegedly been seen travelling on the wrong side of the road, struck a bowser with force. 

The impact damaged the pump’s inner workings and triggered a fire extinguisher, spilling fuel.

Quick-thinking staff shut down the pumps and evacuated the site as police, paramedics and Fire and Rescue NSW crews, including a Hazmat unit, arrived.

Firefighters say the impact was significant and if there had been a spark, the whole place could have gone up.

The driver, a man in his 40s, was treated for minor injuries before being taken to Lismore Base Hospital.

The service station reopened later in the day, though some pumps remain closed.

Police investigations continue.

Main Photo: 9 NBN News