Aramco helicopter crash kills 14 near Ras Tanura

RIYADH: At least 14 people were killed after a helicopter linked to Saudi Aramco crashed on Sunday in Ras Tanura, on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast along the Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to initial reports, the helicopter was associated with Saudi oil giant Aramco. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Saudi authorities said a full investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The relevant authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash,” the state news agency reported.

The helicopter crashed at around 6:00am local time (0300 GMT), according to state media, which did not immediately provide further details about the victims or the flight.

Aramco did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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The incident comes days after Aramco resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal, where operations had been suspended for nearly four months before restarting on Friday.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has recently increased oil shipments as regional producers ramp up exports ahead of an interim agreement aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran.