Crash of «Aramco» helicopter: 14 people died
Saudi Arabia's oil giant Aramco's helicopter crashed in the city of Ras Tanura, Zamin.uz reported.
As a result of the accident, all 14 people on board the aircraft died. The incident occurred on the morning of June 28 along the coast of the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown. According to information released by the Saudi government information agency, 14 citizens of the kingdom were on board the helicopter.
The incident occurred around 06:00 local time. As a result of the helicopter's crash landing, none of those on board survived.
The government information agency has not yet disclosed further details of the accident. Responsible authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes of the incident.
"Relevant authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident," the Saudi government information agency stated. Aramco has not yet responded to inquiries from international media outlets regarding the incident.
The Saudi Ministry of Energy expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy. To date, no official information has been released regarding the identities of the victims, the helicopter's route, or the intended destination of the flight.
The city of Ras Tanura, where the accident occurred, is considered one of the main centers of Saudi Arabia's oil industry. It hosts one of Aramco's largest oil refineries in the Middle East and a key export terminal.
According to Reuters, the company had resumed crude oil loading operations at the Ras Tanura terminal on June 26 after a nearly four-month hiatus. Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, had increased oil and gas production and export volumes following progress in reaching agreements in the region.
Additionally, efforts to expedite the delivery of energy supplies had been scheduled. However, officials have not indicated any connection between the helicopter crash and ongoing operations at the oil terminal.
Once the investigation results are announced, the causes of the tragedy and other details are expected to become clearer.
