President Sisi honors fallen hero who drove burning fuel truck away from gas station

CAIRO – 3 September 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has posthumously awarded the Order of Merit, First Class to the late Khaled Mohamed Shawky Abdel Aal, a fuel truck driver who heroically sacrificed his life by driving his burning tanker away from a gas station last June.

This courageous act prevented a major disaster at a gas station in 10th of Ramadan City, east of Cairo, and saved the lives of his colleagues and citizens who were present at the scene.

Abdel Aal succumbed to his injuries sustained while attempting to control the situation. His actions were hailed as a profound display of bravery, self-sacrifice, and altruism.

The honor was conferred as the president attended the official celebration of the 1,500th Mawlid Al-Nabawi (the Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary), according to the Islamic calendar, held at Al-Manara International Conference Center in Cairo.

Numerous state dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Osama Al-Azhari, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and speakers of the parliament.

 

Grief and Pride

The family of the fallen hero received the Order of Merit on his behalf.

Following the presidential recognition, his son expressed deep emotion, saying the award was a “badge of honor” the family cherishes.

He added that while the family continues to grieve the tragic loss of their beloved father, the official recognition brings a sense of comfort and national appreciation.

 

During the ceremony, the president also honored leading figures from inside and outside Egypt and conferred the Order of Science and Arts of the First Class upon a number of distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Endowments.

The president extended his congratulations to the Egyptian people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and all humanity on the blessed occasion of Al-Mawlid.

The president stated that today’s celebration holds a rare significance, marking 1,500 years since his noble birth.

“We are witnessing a Muhammadan centenary that will not recur for another hundred years from today.”

 

He emphasized this occasion as “a great opportunity to revive the values and ethics” that Prophet Muhammad has embodied.

Facing 'All Forms of Evil'

Sisi has reassured the Egyptian people of state’s vigilance and awareness regarding “what is happening around us and what is being plotted against us.”

The president emphasized Egypt’s firm stance in confronting challenges with carefully planned measures.

 

“I reassure the great Egyptian people of our vigilance and awareness of what is happening around us and what is being plotted against us.

We stand firm in facing challenges with well-considered measures, confident in Allah’s help, relying on the steadfastness of our people, and depending on our capabilities to provide a safe and stable life for our citizens throughout the homeland.

No matter how many forms of evil arise or how many methods they use, Egypt, by the will of its God, will remain a land of safety, peace, and dignity,” the president stressed.