12 Indians killed in Qatar factory explosion
Twelve Indians were among 13 people killed in an explosion at a factory in the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, officials said on Monday.
“Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night,” the Indian Embassy in Doha said in a post on X on Monday.
Citing Qatari authorities, the Indian mission said that all injured are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment.
“Our Embassy is working in close contact with the Qatari authorities to extend all possible help to the Indian nationals and their families affected by this incident, including ensuring that mortal remains of the deceased are sent to India at the earliest,” it added.
The blast, which occurred during operational start-up procedures at the Barzan gas facility on Sunday evening, has prompted a high-level investigation by QatarEnergy even as authorities sought to reassure global energy markets that LNG exports remain uninterrupted.
According to operator QatarEnergy, an “operational incident” occurred during the start-up of operations at the Barzan local gas supply centre within Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday evening, triggering an explosion and subsequent fire.
The Energy Ministry confirmed the casualties in a statement, reporting 13 fatalities and 66 injuries. Authorities said the facility’s export operations remain unaffected and that there is no environmental risk resulting from the incident.
QatarEnergy did not disclose the exact location of the explosion within the complex or provide details regarding the extent of the damage. However, Saad Al Kaabi, Qatar’s Energy Minister and Chief Executive Officer of QatarEnergy, said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
The blast was powerful enough to rattle windows and was reportedly felt across central Doha, causing alarm among residents more than 70 kilometres away from Ras Laffan.
Ras Laffan is home to the world’s largest LNG processing complex and plays a critical role in global energy markets, supplying approximately one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas. The facility was previously targeted during Iranian missile strikes in March, which caused significant damage to parts of the complex.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Embassy of India in Doha expressed deep concern over the incident and extended solidarity with Qatar.
“At this challenging and difficult time, the Embassy of India and the entire Indian community in Qatar stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Qatar,” the mission said in a statement. The embassy wished a speedy recovery to those injured and expressed hope for the safety of those reported missing by authorities.
The embassy urged Indian nationals seeking information or assistance to contact its emergency helpline numbers at +974-55647502 or +974-55384683, or email cons.doha@mea.gov.in.
Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation into one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Qatar’s recent history.
