Saudi man who drove burning fuel truck away from petrol station gets Rs 2 crore reward

Srinagar, Aug 23: Maher Fahad Al Dalbahi, a Saudi national in his 40s and a school security supervisor, has been officially honoured for his bravery after a dramatic life-saving act on the road. While driving home through the Al Dawadmi region—about 300 km from Riyadh—he spotted a fuel-laden truck on fire parked dangerously close to a petrol station.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Dalbahi took control of a burning fuel truck and drove it away from a gas station, thereby preventing significant danger and saving lives.

Without hesitation, Al Dalbahi jumped into the blazing vehicle and drove it away from the fuel pumps to a safer, open area, averting what could have become a massive catastrophe.

In the process, he sustained severe burns—third-degree on his body and first- to second-degree on his face, head, hands, and legs—and was hospitalized at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, where he is currently receiving care.

Recognizing his fearless action, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recommended Al Dalbahi for the highest accolade: the King Abdulaziz Medal (First Class). He was also awarded a generous cash prize of 1 million Saudi Riyals—equivalent to around ₹2.3 crore—for his “exceptional bravery”—a gesture that speaks to the leadership’s respect for acts of selfless courage by citizens.