Egypt Daily News – Khaled Mohamed Shawky, a fuel truck driver, passed away on Sunday in Sharqia Governorate, northeastern Egypt, due to injuries and burns he sustained while trying to prevent a major disaster. Shawky had attempted to steer a burning fuel truck away from a gas station in the heart of the industrial city of 10th of Ramadan to avoid massive human and material losses.
Shawky was caught off guard when the truck’s tank exploded and flames erupted inside. The fire threatened to cause a catastrophe had it spread to nearby residential areas or to the gas station’s fuel tanks.
According to videos shared on social media that captured the moment of the blaze, Shawky didn’t hesitate. He rushed to the driver’s seat while flames engulfed the vehicle and managed to drive it away from the station, successfully moving it into the street and preventing the fire from reaching the fuel tanks and surrounding areas.
He was immediately taken to the hospital, but sadly, he died a week later from first- and second-degree burns.
Official Reactions
The incident drew wide official attention. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued a statement mourning the loss of Shawky, referring to him as “the hero of the 10th of Ramadan gas station fire.” He instructed the ministers of petroleum and social solidarity to grant a substantial financial reward, a special pension, and an official honor to Shawky’s family in recognition of his sacrifice.
Al-Azhar’s Tribute
Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, personally called the family of the late Khaled Shawky, expressing his heartfelt condolences and describing Shawky as a “martyr of the nation.” The Sheikh praised his brave act of sacrificing his life to drive a burning fuel truck out of a gas station, aiming to prevent the flames from reaching the fuel tanks and nearby homes.
The Grand Imam emphasized that such heroic examples should be immortalized in the nation’s memory and affirmed that Al-Azhar’s doors would always remain open to Shawky’s family. He also instructed Al-Azhar officials to stay in close contact with the family and meet their needs as soon as possible.
He prayed that God would have mercy on the “martyr of the nation,” grant him forgiveness, and provide his family with patience and solace.
