Following the publication by the Wall Street Journal of an article on the 2015 Radium compound fire, Saudi Aramco reiterates its deepest sympathy to those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
Saudi Aramco remembers the ten people - one employee and nine dependents - who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and we again express our condolence to those affected.
The fire occurred at a privately-owned, maintained, and operated residential compound in Khobar that the company leased in 2014 to provide employee housing, and it did not take place on company premises or involve any hydrocarbon facilities.
The local emergency services responded to the incident within their jurisdiction and the company’s own fire-fighting team provided back-up. Immediately following the fire, the company provided support to its employees and their families - including housing, specialist counselling, financial assistance, and funeral arrangements.
The company supported the local authorities in their investigation. Although there was no liability against the company, the company voluntarily chose to provide compensation to our employees and their dependents impacted to cover damages sustained in the fire, including loss of life, personal injury, damaged or lost personal effects, and auto loss.
The safety of our employees, their dependents and our contractors is of paramount importance to us. We report on safety in our Annual Review and we adhere to the highest safety standards across our business. Safety and security have always been, and will always be, part of our corporate culture.