A helicopter operated by Saudi state oil giant Aramco crashed in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board, according to the country’s official press agency.
The Saudi Press Agency, citing an official from the energy ministry, said the helicopter went down in Ras Tanura, a key hub for the kingdom’s oil industry.
“The accident claimed the lives of all 14 passengers, all Saudi citizens,” the agency said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
Aramco operates one of the largest corporate aviation fleets in the Middle East, with more than 60 aircraft, including helicopters serving over 300 heliports across Saudi Arabia.
The crash comes as Gulf oil-producing nations seek to increase production following recent regional tensions, including Iranian attacks and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas exports.
Saudi authorities did not indicate that the crash was linked to any hostile action.
Ras Tanura is home to one of the Middle East’s largest oil refineries, with a production capacity of about 550,000 barrels per day, making it a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.
The refinery has previously been targeted during Iranian drone attacks, which caused fires and disrupted operations. In April, Saudi Arabia said attacks had affected production at several major facilities, including Ras Tanura, Jubail, Yanbu and Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia remains the world’s largest crude oil exporter, producing just over 10 million barrels of oil per day.
