Okaz/Saudi Gazette Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi, Commander of Security Aviation, stands inside one of the helicopters used during the rescue operation. — Okaz photoJEDDAH – Satellite dishes, antennas and aerials were among the obstacles which hampered the two rescue helicopters on the roof of the Bara'em Al-Watan School Saturday, said Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi, Commander of Security Aviation. However, the pilots managed to overcome these dangers and rescued a number of students from the fire engulfing the school, added Al-Harbi. He said that strong winds were also an obstacle facing pilots during such operations. Al-Harbi said the helicopter crews used baskets, which were used during the Jeddah floods, to airlift students from the school. He rejected accusations that the helicopters were of little use and were only present for “mere show”. He said the gratitude from the students' guardians was sufficient for them. Al-Harbi said initially only one helicopter was used but later a second helicopter was needed to bolster the rescue operations. The two helicopters rescued two female students, who were flown to the hospital. A security official was also rescued by a helicopter and was given first aid at the scene. Al-Harbi said helicopters are vital for rescue operations because of the speed at which they carry out their required tasks. Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijri, Director General of the Civil Defense, had indicated in an earlier interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette that female students had hindered rescue operations by panicking and refusing to climb onto the helicopters. __
