Saudi Aramco Helicopter Crash in Ras Tanura Claims 14 Lives

A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed on Sunday in a coastal area of the Persian Gulf, killing all 14 occupants, Saudi authorities reported.

All passengers were Saudi nationals, the energy ministry stated, and investigators have opened an inquiry into the cause.

Initial assessments found no connection between the crash and the recent escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran.

Ras Tanura, where the accident occurred, houses a major refinery and port used for oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that has been a focal point of tension amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran; prior to hostilities the strait handled roughly one‑fifth of global oil and gas shipments, though Iran has blockaded it.

As the world’s largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia traditionally shipped most of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz, but since the conflict began in late February it has rerouted its exports via an overland pipeline to the Red Sea coast.

Earlier in March, a fire broke out at the refinery, leading to the shutdown of certain units after two Iranian drones were intercepted and fragments fell.

More recently, the kingdom has resumed loading crude oil at the Ras Tanura port, Reuters reported, citing shipping data.

Source link