Jeddah: A Saudi Aramco helicopter crashed near the company's Ras Tanura facilities on Sunday morning, killing all 14 people on board as authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

A helicopter operated by Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura on Sunday morning, killing all 14 people on board, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The crash occurred at approximately 6 am local time in Ras Tanura, a key oil hub on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast. Officials said all those killed were Saudi nationals.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Saudi authorities said an investigation involving the relevant agencies has been launched to establish what caused the helicopter to go down.

In a statement carried by SPA, the Ministry of Energy confirmed the fatalities and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

The ministry said: "The Ministry of Energy regrets to announce that a helicopter operated by Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at approximately 6:00 am. The accident resulted in the martyrdom of all 14 individuals on board, all of whom were Saudi nationals."

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Crash near strategic oil hub

Ras Tanura is home to one of the world's most important oil export terminals and the largest refinery in West Asia, operated by Saudi Aramco.

The accident comes just two days after Aramco resumed crude oil loadings from the Ras Tanura terminal following a nearly four-month suspension linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has recently increased oil and gas exports as regional producers ramp up shipments following an interim agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy conveyed its sympathies to the victims' families, saying it prayed for mercy and forgiveness for those who lost their lives.

Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims or provided further details about the helicopter's mission at the time of the crash.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.