Qatar's Ras Laffan gas hub explosion: 12 Indians among 13 dead; 66 injured

Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a factory explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, officials confirmed on Monday, as emergency response and investigation efforts continue at the country’s major energy hub.

The Indian Embassy in Doha confirmed the fatalities, citing information received from Qatari authorities.

“Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night,” the embassy said in a statement.

It added that all injured individuals are in stable condition and are receiving medical treatment.

Embassy expresses condolences, coordinates assistance

The embassy expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist affected Indian nationals.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls,” it said.

The mission further stated that it is in close coordination with local authorities to ensure all necessary support is provided, including arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest.

“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,” the statement added.

13 killed in Ras Laffan blast

Earlier, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad bin Shreida Al-Kaabi confirmed that 13 people had died in the explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City facility, with victims including Indian and Pakistani nationals.

"I find myself today having to do something I have always hoped will never happen, and that is to announce the tragic loss of 13 lives of our people who hold Indian and Pakistani nationalities," he said.

The incident occurred late Sunday night at the industrial complex, which is a key hub for Qatar’s gas processing and LNG export operations.

66 injured, none in critical condition

Al-Kaabi said 66 people were injured in the explosion and are receiving medical treatment.

"66 people have been reported injured and are receiving medical treatment, none of whom are in life-threatening condition," he said.

Earlier reports had indicated dozens of injuries and a number of people missing following the blast at the facility.

Blast occurred during restart operations

According to state-owned energy company QatarEnergy, the explosion occurred during the start-up of operations at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City.

The blast triggered a major fire that prompted the immediate deployment of emergency response teams, which later succeeded in bringing the blaze under control.

Authorities have described the incident as a technical accident and said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

Qatar rules out sabotage

The energy minister reiterated that the explosion was an accident and not the result of any hostile action.

Earlier, Al-Kaabi said what happened at Ras Laffan was "an accident and not an aggression or sabotage."

The clarification came amid heightened regional tensions following months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, during which energy infrastructure across the Gulf came under attack.

Exports remain unaffected

Despite the severity of the explosion, Qatar's LNG exports and energy shipments continue without disruption, according to the minister.

Al-Kaabi said the incident "has not affected our export capabilities," easing concerns about potential disruptions to global gas supplies.

Qatar is one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, and Ras Laffan Industrial City serves as the country's primary LNG production and export hub.

Investigation underway

Qatari authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion.

"We are currently working on determining the cause of the blast," Al-Kaabi said earlier.

Officials have yet to release details on the circumstances that led to the accident, the identities of the victims, or the extent of any damage to the facility.