MADINAH, 28 November 2002 — A fireman was killed and another seriously burned as two tanker trucks crashed and exploded on a bridge close to the holy city of Madinah, the Civil Defense reported yesterday.
The Civil Defense, quoted by Saudi Press Agency, said one of the trucks overturned on a bridge after the vehicles crashed.
The explosion caused by leaking fuel engulfed both trucks, killing Mussa ibn Omar Muhammadi and seriously wounding colleague Fahd Anami. The report said Anami suffered 80 percent burns.
The explosion took place on Sadd Orwa Bridge on Yanbu-Madinah Road when the two tanker trucks, one carrying oil, crashed, the statement said, adding that fuel leaked from the oil tanker covered an 165-square meter area of the bridge.
"While the Civil Defense team was trying to tackle the problem a powerful explosion occurred engulfing the two trucks in fire," the statement said.
Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri, director general of Civil Defense, conveyed the condolences of the interior minister and all department staff to Muhammadi’s family. He expressed deep sorrow over the death of Muhammadi and prayed for the quick recovery of Anami.
Tuwaijeri urged his men to deal with such dangerous situations with strong determination.
