Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia — June 28, 2026 — Fourteen people were killed after a helicopter operated by Saudi Aramco crashed in the eastern Saudi city of Ras Tanura early Sunday morning, according to Saudi authorities.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing an official source from the Saudi Ministry of Energy, said the helicopter went down at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time. All 14 people aboard the aircraft were killed. Authorities confirmed that the victims were all Saudi nationals.
Officials have not yet disclosed what caused the crash. A full investigation has been launched by the relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Ministry of Energy extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
The crash occurred in Ras Tanura, home to one of Saudi Arabia’s most important oil refining and export facilities. The city plays a central role in global energy markets, with Saudi Aramco operating one of the world’s largest integrated oil production and export networks from the area.
According to Sky News, the helicopter belonged to Saudi Aramco and crashed near the company’s operations in Ras Tanura, killing everyone on board. The broadcaster reported that Saudi officials have opened an investigation into the incident while the cause of the crash remains unknown.
The accident comes just two days after Saudi Aramco resumed crude oil loadings at the Ras Tanura export terminal following a temporary suspension linked to heightened regional security concerns. While there is currently no indication that Sunday’s crash was related to those events, investigators are expected to examine all possible factors before reaching any conclusions.
Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company by production, had not issued a detailed public statement immediately following the crash. Aviation experts note that helicopter accidents involving offshore energy operations are typically subject to extensive technical and operational reviews to determine whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, human factors, or other circumstances contributed to the tragedy.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have said additional information will be released once preliminary findings become available.