14 killed in Saudi Aramco helicopter crash near Ras Tanura; investigation underway
A helicopter operated by Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco crashed on Sunday in the eastern city of Ras Tanura, killing all 14 people on board, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an official source at the Ministry of Energy.
All of the victims were Saudi nationals, according to the report. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The helicopter came down in Ras Tanura, a strategic coastal city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and home to one of the kingdom’s largest oil refineries, with a capacity of about 550,000 barrels per day. The area is a critical hub in Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and export system.
Saudi Aramco, which operates more than 60 aircraft and services over 300 heliports across the kingdom, has not issued a detailed public statement on the incident. The company runs one of the region’s largest corporate aviation fleets supporting its extensive oil and gas operations.
The accident occurred amid heightened regional tensions in the Gulf, following previous attacks on energy infrastructure in the region and broader instability affecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. However, Saudi authorities have not suggested any link between the crash and hostile activity, and no cause has yet been determined.
Ras Tanura has previously been targeted in regional conflicts, including drone and missile attacks on energy facilities that caused temporary disruptions to production. Despite this history, officials stressed that the current investigation is still in its early stages.
Several countries and regional organizations expressed condolences following the crash. Messages of sympathy were issued by Jordan, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), all of which reaffirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed his condolences to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and UAE officials also sent messages of support. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi extended condolences and prayed for mercy for the victims and strength for their families.
Türkiye also expressed sorrow over the incident, with its Foreign Ministry saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives” and extending condolences to the Saudi government and people.
Ras Tanura remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most important energy hubs, playing a key role in global oil exports. Authorities said further details will be released once the investigation concludes.
Source-Photo:AA
