A helicopter operated by Saudi Arabian energy giant Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura on Sunday morning, killing all 14 people on board, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Crash Occurred Near Major Oil Hub
The helicopter crashed at around 6:00 am local time in Ras Tanura, home to the largest oil refinery in the West Asia region, which is operated by Saudi Aramco.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, all 14 victims were Saudi nationals.
Officials have not yet disclosed what caused the helicopter to crash.
Investigation Into the Crash Begins
Saudi authorities said an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
No preliminary findings have been released, and officials have urged the public to wait for the results of the inquiry.
Saudi Energy Ministry Expresses Condolences
Following the tragedy, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives.
In an official statement carried by SPA, the ministry extended its condolences and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for the victims.
Ras Tanura’s Strategic Importance
Ras Tanura is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important energy facilities and serves as a major hub for crude oil production and exports.
Saudi Aramco had recently resumed crude oil loadings from the Ras Tanura terminal after operations had been suspended for nearly four months.
The restart came as oil-producing nations in West Asia increased exports following an interim agreement aimed at easing regional tensions.
Separate Plane Crash in France Claims 11 Lives
In a separate aviation tragedy on Sunday, a civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed near Nancy in northeastern France, killing all 11 people on board.
According to French media reports, the victims included the pilot, instructors and first-time skydivers. Authorities said the aircraft plunged almost vertically, and investigators are examining the cause of the crash.
Emergency services established psychological support for relatives who witnessed the incident, while officials confirmed that no one on the ground was injured.
