Doha, Qatar, June 22, 2026(AN): — A devastating explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, according to updated information released by QatarEnergy and the Embassy of India in Doha.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening during the restart of operations at the Barzan facility, which had remained shut since December 2025 for urgent maintenance work. QatarEnergy stated that the plant had resumed operations only two days before the accident.
The Embassy of India in Doha confirmed that 12 Indian citizens lost their lives in the tragedy and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families. The mission said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains.
According to QatarEnergy, 66 people were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire. Authorities reported that all injured individuals are in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical treatment, with none suffering life-threatening injuries.
The victims who died were identified as Indian and Pakistani nationals. Those injured include citizens of Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal.
QatarEnergy emphasized that the incident was an operational accident and not an act of sabotage or hostile activity. Preliminary findings released by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior indicate that a technical malfunction during operations caused the explosion.
Emergency response teams from QatarEnergy and Qatar Civil Defence were immediately deployed and successfully contained the fire. Search and rescue operations have been completed, while investigators continue to examine the exact technical causes of the accident.
Authorities have also reassured the public that no hazardous gas leak has been detected and that there is no threat to nearby communities or the environment.
QatarEnergy stated that the explosion has not affected the country’s LNG production facilities, Ras Laffan Port, logistics operations, or export capabilities.
The Embassy of India has issued emergency helpline numbers for affected families:
- +974-55647502
- +974-55384683
- Email: [email protected]
The Government of India and the Indian community in Qatar have expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and offered prayers for the deceased and the speedy recovery of those injured. A full investigation into the incident is underway.
“We stand in solidarity”: India expresses deep concern over explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility
Doha [Qatar], June 22 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Doha has expressed “deep concern” regarding the explosion that struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday evening, affirming that the Indian community stands in solidarity with the people and government of the Gulf nation during this crisis.” 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. We wish for the speedy recovery of those injured and hope and pray for the safety of those missing,” the mission stated in a message shared on X.
To support those affected, the embassy has provided emergency contact numbers at +974-55647502 and +974-55384683, along with a dedicated support email, [email protected]. The incident occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility during the start-up of operations, according to the state-run firm QatarEnergy. The resulting explosion and fire prompted an immediate mobilisation of emergency response teams, which have since managed to contain the blaze.
While QatarEnergy noted that the fire is now under control, officials have not yet detailed the extent of the damage to the facility, which is vital for Qatar’s domestic gas supply and power generation. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior reported that at least 54 people sustained injuries in the blast, while 18 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Authorities have characterised the explosion as a “technical accident” and provided assurances that no hazardous leaks are threatening public safety. In response to the emergency, the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group, in coordination with civil defence units, has launched an intensive operation to locate the missing persons.
While rescue and recovery efforts continued through the night, officials have not yet released information regarding the nationalities or identities of the victims. An investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the technical malfunction. (ANI)
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