JEDDAH (MNN); Fourteen Saudi nationals were killed after a helicopter operated by Saudi Aramco crashed in the eastern city of Ras Tanura early Sunday morning, Saudi Arabia’s official news agency reported.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the helicopter went down at around 6:00am local time. All 14 people on board lost their lives in the crash. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, while officials have not indicated any evidence of sabotage or a hostile attack.
The helicopter belonged to Saudi Aramco, the Kingdom’s state-owned oil giant, which operates one of the largest corporate aviation fleets in the region, including more than 60 aircraft and helicopters serving over 300 heliports across Saudi Arabia.
The tragedy comes at a time when Gulf countries are working to boost oil production following recent regional tensions, including Iranian attacks and disruptions caused by the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although Ras Tanura has previously been targeted during regional conflicts, Saudi authorities stressed that there is no indication the latest crash was linked to security threats.
Ras Tanura is home to one of the Middle East’s largest oil refineries, capable of processing around 550,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it a vital hub for Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. Aramco had recently resumed crude oil exports from the Ras Tanura terminal after operations were suspended for nearly four months due to regional instability.
Following the tragic incident, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the Saudi leadership and the families of the victims. In a statement posted on X, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom during this difficult time.
Saudi authorities have assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway, and further details will be released once the inquiry is completed.
