RAS TANURA, Saudi Arabia — A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed in the eastern Saudi city of Ras Tanura early Saturday, killing all 14 people on board, according to Saudi state media.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time (03:00 GMT), the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an official source from the Ministry of Energy. All of those killed were Saudi nationals.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash. An official investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Ministry of Energy expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, while Saudi Aramco and government officials pledged full cooperation with investigators.
The tragedy comes at a significant time for Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. Just one day earlier, Saudi Aramco had resumed crude oil loading operations at its Ras Tanura export terminal after activities were suspended for nearly four months amid disruptions linked to the recent U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Ras Tanura is home to one of the world’s largest oil export terminals and serves as a critical hub for Saudi Arabia’s petroleum industry. The helicopter was reportedly operating in the area when the crash occurred.
No further details about the identities of the victims or the helicopter’s mission have been released.
Officials said additional information will be made public as the investigation progresses.
