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.
“explained to me how the fuel tank thing was impossible.”
Probably along the lines that the center fuel tank at 13,000 that day would have been below 80°F that night, and Jet A will not ignite at that temperature.