By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a devastating explosion at a gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, officials confirmed on Monday. The blast, reportedly triggered by a technical malfunction during operations, also left 66 people injured, prompting an investigation by Qatari authorities.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Indian Embassy confirmed that Qatari authorities had informed it of the deaths of 12 Indian citizens in the incident, which occurred on Sunday night.
“Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night,” the embassy said.
The embassy added that all those injured in the blast are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment. It also assured that it is working closely with Qatari authorities to provide all necessary assistance to affected Indian nationals and their families, including facilitating the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
Earlier in the day, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Shreida Al-Kaabi, confirmed during a press briefing that 13 people of Indian and Pakistani origin had lost their lives in the accident.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the explosion was caused by a technical malfunction during operations at the facility. The incident claimed 13 lives and left 66 people of various nationalities injured.
The ministry said emergency response teams and security agencies immediately rushed to the site and implemented established emergency procedures. All injured individuals were transported to medical facilities for treatment, while search and rescue operations at the location have since been completed.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and establish the circumstances that led to the explosion.
The Ministry of Interior further stated that no gas leaks or environmental hazards were detected following the incident and that there is no threat to public safety.
QatarEnergy, in a separate statement, said the accident occurred during the start-up phase of operations at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan on Sunday evening, triggering an explosion and subsequent fire.
Expressing solidarity with Qatar, the Indian Embassy said the Indian community in the Gulf nation stands with the government and people of Qatar during this difficult time. It also conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the tragedy.