14 dead After Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crashes in Eastern Saudi Arabia

A helicopter operated by Saudi energy giant Saudi Aramco crashed in eastern Saudi Arabia on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The helicopter went down at around 6:00 a.m. local time in Ras Tanura, a major oil-producing and export hub on Saudi Arabia's Gulf coast. The victims were all Saudi nationals, according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy. Saudi authorities said the cause of the crash remains unknown. An investigation involving the Ministry of Energy and other relevant agencies is underway to determine what caused the accident.

Ras Tanura is home to one of the world's largest crude oil export terminals and is a key operational center for Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company by production. The crash occurred just days after crude oil loading operations resumed at the terminal following a months-long suspension linked to heightened regional security concerns.

Saudi officials expressed condolences to the families of those killed but have not yet released the identities of the victims. Authorities said additional information will be made public as the investigation progresses.