A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City has killed 13 people, including 12 Indian nationals, and injured dozens more, prompting condolences from governments and a full investigation into one of the country’s worst industrial accidents in recent years.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed sorrow over the loss of life and injuries following the incident, which occurred on Sunday night as workers were restarting operations at the Barzan gas facility after a prolonged shutdown.
In a statement posted on social media, Jaishankar said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and confirmed that Indian diplomatic officials in Qatar were working closely with local authorities to assist affected families.
The Embassy of India, Doha said 12 Indian nationals were among those killed. Qatari authorities also confirmed that all injured individuals were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
The embassy stated that it was coordinating with Qatari officials to provide support to victims’ families and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased to India as quickly as possible.
State-owned energy giant QatarEnergy later confirmed that 13 people had died and 66 others were receiving medical care following the explosion and resulting fire. The company said none of the injured were in life-threatening condition.
According to QatarEnergy, those killed were Indian and Pakistani nationals. The injured included citizens of Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal.
The company described the incident as an operational accident and stressed that there was no evidence of sabotage or any hostile action.
QatarEnergy said production at the Barzan gas facility had been suspended since December 2025 because of urgent maintenance work and had resumed only two days before the explosion occurred.
Emergency response teams from QatarEnergy and Qatar’s Civil Defence quickly brought the fire under control. Officials are now assessing damage to the Barzan facility and nearby infrastructure.
The company added that its liquefied natural gas facilities, operations at Ras Laffan Port and export activities were not affected by the blast.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry said preliminary investigations indicate the accident was caused by a technical malfunction during operational activities at the facility. Rescue and emergency procedures were activated immediately after the explosion, and all injured individuals were transported for treatment.
Authorities said search operations at the site have been completed and a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The ministry also reassured residents that no hazardous leak had been detected and that there was no threat to public safety or the surrounding environment. Officials extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the tragedy.
