A helicopter operated by Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco crashed in the eastern coastal city of Ras Tanura on Sunday, June 28, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all 14 people on board.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a. m.
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local time (03:00 GMT), according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Officials confirmed that all victims were Saudi citizens and no survivors were found.
The crash site is located west of the Strait of Hormuz, a region where Aramco runs one of the largest oil refineries in the Middle East.
The company had resumed crude oil loading at the terminal on Friday after a nearly four-month suspension due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.
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Investigation Underway
An unnamed official from the Energy Ministry provided details on the immediate response.
"Investigations are under way, with the participation of relevant authorities, to determine the causes of the helicopter crash," the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing the official.
The Saudi Energy Ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims. Representatives for Aramco did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.
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Further details regarding the specific cause of the crash remain unavailable as official investigations continue.
