Other Fuel System Tank Filling/charging problems of the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis

Immediately after filling the fuel tank, while stopped at an intersection, the fuel tank fell out of the vehicle. Investigation has revealed that both straps holding the fuel tank into the vehicle have failed due to rust and corrosion. The failure is approximately 3-4 inches from the straps rear attachment points. The only thing preventing the tank from completely separating from the vehicle is the filler tube which is holding the drivers side of the fuel tank in relative position with approximately a 3in drop. The passengers side has completely dropped and is resting on the ground. I believe the tank straps are defective because while there is some evidence of rust to other components in the vicinity of these straps, none of them have anywhere near the degree of rust the straps have. Both straps have rusted through and failed allowing the fuel tank to separate and fall to the ground on the passenger's side. Fortunately this occurred at a stop, had this occurred at speed there is a high potential for a catastrophic fuel fire which could have resulted in injury or death.