Airline pilots and plane mechanics never bought that theory either.
You are correct - I have a friend who is a retired TWA pilot who was flying at that time. He said not 1 single pilot believed it and explained to me how the fuel tank thing was impossible. I can’t remember the details, but he was positive. What a shame they have lied for all these years.
My uncle was a very senior mechanic for Pan Am at the time. That night he was off. His take on the fuel tank theory... ...baloney.