Rabat – A helicopter operated by Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed early Sunday near Ras Tanura on the country’s eastern coast, leaving 14 people dead, according to the state news agency.
The aircraft went down at around 6 a.m. local time along the Gulf shoreline, in an area that sits close to one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes. Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the crash.
Officials confirmed that an investigation is now underway. No details have emerged about the identities of the victims or the mission of the flight.
Aramco has not issued an immediate statement.
The incident comes shortly after the company resumed crude shipments from its Ras Tanura terminal, a key export site that had remained inactive for nearly four months before operations restarted on Friday.
The timing draws attention as oil producers across the Middle East increase output and exports. The shift follows diplomatic efforts tied to a temporary arrangement meant to ease tensions linked to the standoff between the United States and Iran.
For now, questions remain over what led to the crash, with authorities expected to release further information in the coming days.
