Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crashes in Ras Tanura, 14 Killed
Riyadh: A helicopter operated by Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in the eastern coastal city of Ras Tanura on Sunday morning, killing all 14 people on board, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time in Ras Tanura, a key oil-export terminal located on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, west of the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the Ministry of Energy, confirmed that all 14 victims were Saudi nationals.
Ministry of Energy: Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crash Claims the Lives of All 14 People on Board.https://t.co/teEbWEkL92#SPAGOV
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) June 28, 2026
The ministry said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. A comprehensive investigation has been launched in cooperation with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials also extended their condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.
BREAKING: A Saudi Aramco helicopter has crashed in Ras Tanura, killing 14 people, the state news agency reports.
🔴 More on https://t.co/hGzrK2N8WC pic.twitter.com/EvJMTEVlQj
— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) June 28, 2026
The crash comes just days after Saudi Aramco resumed crude oil loading operations at the Ras Tanura oil terminal on Friday. The facility had reportedly experienced a four-month suspension of certain activities due to regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, has recently increased oil and gas production and exports alongside other energy-producing countries in the Middle East. These efforts are seen as part of broader measures to strengthen regional energy supplies ahead of a temporary ceasefire agreement.
