RIYADH: A Saudi man who risked his life driving a burning truck away from a petrol station, possibly preventing an explosion and saving lives, is “improving” in hospital, his nephew told Arab News on Tuesday.
Maher Fahd Al-Dalbahi, in his 40s, encountered the truck loaded with animal feed and engulfed in flames around 300 km outside Riyadh while driving to his village, Al-Salihiya, on Friday night.
The truck’s driver had abandoned the vehicle, leaving it dangerously close to the petrol pumps.
Al-Dalbahi climbed inside and steered it into an open area, away from crowds and fuel tanks.
His nephew, Khalid Eid Al-Otaibi, 31, described the moment: “My uncle got out of his car and ran to the truck to drive it away. As soon as he pulled it away, the fire started falling from the front, and the driver’s door was open.”
He continued: “I was just with him in the hospital. He has third-degree burns on his face, but thank God, there has been improvement. His hands and legs have second-degree burns. His condition is improving; he laughs and talks with us.”
Civil Defense teams eventually brought the blaze under control, while footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media.
Al-Dalbahi was later transferred to King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, where he remains under treatment.
Al-Otaibi added that Al-Dalbahi works as a supervisor for school security guards. “The reason he got into the truck was because the station was full of people.
“My uncle is someone who loves to do good. His stance was heroic and honorable; he risked his life without fear to save others.”
He also praised the swift response from authorities: “The deputy governor of Riyadh ensured he was treated with all the necessary medical care. The government is supervising his treatment.”
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Riyadh’s deputy governor, personally called Al-Dalbahi to check on his condition and directed staff to give him the highest level of care.
