A helicopter operated by Saudi oil company Aramco crashed at around 06:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on Sunday, 28 June 2026, in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, killing all 14 people aboard [1, 2, 3]. All victims were Saudi nationals, and no survivors were reported [1, 4, 2, 3, 5].
Ras Tanura is a key oil refining and export hub located on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast along the Gulf [1, 5]. The crash occurred just two days after Saudi Aramco resumed crude oil loading at the terminal on Friday, 26 June 2026, following nearly four months of suspension [1, 4, 2, 3].
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. The Saudi Press Agency quoted a Saudi Energy Ministry official confirming that "investigations are under way, with the participation of relevant authorities, to determine the causes of the helicopter crash" [2].
No further details about the circumstances of the crash or the identities of the victims have been released to date. The incident represents a significant loss for Saudi Aramco and raises safety concerns at the vital Ras Tanura facility.
Investigation results and any additional information are expected to be disclosed as authorities complete their inquiry.
