• Maher Fahad Al-Dalbahi recovering in hospital after climbing into burning truck and moving it clear of fuel tanks
• It is a ‘profound honor’ for his act of bravery to be recognized by the Kingdom’s leadership, family says

Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has rewarded a passer-by who risked his life to move a burning truck clear of a gas station for his selfless act of bravery.

In response to a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king issued a directive that Saudi citizen Maher Fahad Al-Dalbahi be awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal (First Class) and a SR1 million ($267,000) reward.

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 dangerously 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 “demonstrated exceptional bravery” in responding to the significant danger and potentially saving lives, and the royal recognition “reflects the leadership’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Saudi citizens who embody the values of courage, dedication and selflessness, values inherited from the foundational principles upon which the Kingdom was built,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Dalbahi’s family said it was a “profound honor” for his bravery to be recognized by the king. He suffered serious burns to his hands, legs and face during the incident and was taken to hospital in Riyadh, where his recovery continues.