4 hours ago
Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 23:49 IST
His timely action averted a potential disaster, and Civil Defense teams eventually brought the blaze under control.
Al Dalbahi, who works as a supervisor for school security guards, suffered third-degree burns. (X)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has rewarded a man who risked his life by driving a burning truck away from a fuel station, preventing a potential disaster and saving dozens of lives in a small town west of Riyadh.
In response to a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the King issued a directive that Saudi citizen, identified as Maher Fahad Al-Dalbahi, would be awarded with the King Abdulaziz Medal (First Class) and a cash prize of SR 1 million (Rs 2.3 crore), Saudi Press Agency reported.
As per the report, Al-Dalbahi, who is in his 40s, spotted a truck loaded with animal feed engulfed in flames last Friday as he drove to his village of Al-Salihiya, about 300 kilometers from Riyadh.
Unable to control the fire, the driver of the truck had abandoned the vehicle close to gas pumps. Al-Dalbahi climbed inside and moved it to an open area, away from people in the area and the gas station’s fuel tanks.
He then drove it away from a gas station, thereby preventing significant danger and saving lives, the report added.
His timely action averted a potential disaster, and Civil Defense teams eventually brought the blaze under control.
Al-Dalbahi, who works as a supervisor for school security guards, suffered third-degree burns and is currently under treatment at the King Saud Medical City in Riyadh. Deputy Emir of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, personally checked on his condition and directed authorities to ensure he receives the best care.
Videos of his heroic act soon went viral on social media platforms, earning praises from the public and authorities alike.
Al-Dalbahi’s family said it was a “profound honor" for his bravery to be recognised by the king.
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
First Published:August 22, 2025, 23:49 IST
News world Saudi King Rewards Man With Bravery Medal, Rs 2 Crore For Averting Gas Station Disaster
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