Saudi airport worker dies after saving passengers during Dammam attack

A Saudi airport employee died following a Houthi-led projectile attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday, 21 October, after attempting to extinguish a fire near a passenger aircraft. Sultan bin Ali Al Mastour Al Qahtani, who was on duty near Gates 19 and 20 when the strike occurred, succumbed to complications from smoke inhalation. Emergency response near Gates 19 and 20 According to reports from Saudi media and statements from the victim\'s father, Ali Al Qahtani, the projectile struck the facility and ignited a blaze in close proximity to a plane loaded with passengers. Sultan and his colleagues utilized handheld fire extinguishers to contain the flames before they could reach the aircraft. After the immediate fire was suppressed, Al Qahtani returned to his office complaining of severe chest pain and breathing difficulties. He was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment as his condition deteriorated, but medical staff were unable to revive him. Saudi aviation authorities confirmed that the attack resulted in the death of at least one other individual and caused injuries to eight others. The facility also sustained structural damage during the incident, which has been attributed to Houthi forces. Family impact and official casualties Sultan Al Qahtani, described by his family as a dedicated employee, is survived by his wife and six children. The victim’s father stated that Sultan prioritized passenger safety over his own life during…