DUBAI/PARIS, June 28: At least 25 people were killed in two separate aviation disasters in Saudi Arabia and France on Sunday.
In Saudi Arabia, all 14 people on board a helicopter operated by Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, died when the aircraft crashed in Ras Tanura around 6 a.m.
The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed that all victims were Saudi nationals. Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The helicopter belonged to Aramco, which has recently been managing disruptions to oil operations amid regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict and instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
In France, 11 people were killed when a skydiving plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Nancy-Essey airfield in northeastern France.
Officials said the single-engine Pilatus PC-6 aircraft suffered a malfunction and plunged almost vertically before crashing near a residential area on the outskirts of Nancy. No casualties were reported on the ground.
The victims included five skydiving instructors, five clients, and the pilot.
The aircraft was being used for a parachuting operation at the time of the accident.
Local authorities said emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and provided psychological support to the families of the victims.
Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft’s engine cut out moments before a loud impact. Officials described the crash as sudden and devastating, with debris scattered near homes close to the airfield.
Investigations are underway in both countries to determine the causes of the crashes, with aviation and safety authorities collecting evidence and witness statements as emergency response teams continue their work. (AP)
