Qatar explosion news: 54 injured, 18 missing at factory in Ras Laffan; Interior ministry calls it ‘technical accident’
A powerful explosion struck Qatar’s main natural gas export terminal on Sunday night as workers were attempting to restart operations following Iranian attacks during the
A powerful explosion struck Qatar’s main natural gas export terminal on Sunday night as workers were attempting to restart operations following Iranian attacks during the war. The incident triggered a major fire, injuring at least 54 people, while 18 others remained unaccounted for several hours later. Qatar’s Interior Ministry said a "technical accident" triggered an explosion. A Reuters witness also reported hearing a powerful explosion across Doha, highlighting the scale of the incident. The blast occurred in the Ras Laffan industrial area, a critical hub for Qatar’s energy sector, raising concerns about further disruption to global energy markets, according to AP. Qatar is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of natural gas.
QatarEnergy stated that work triggered an explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility on Sunday evening. In a statement, the company said emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the site and successfully brought the blaze under control. The company did not provide details on whether the explosion caused any damage to the facility, which plays a key role in supplying natural gas to Qatar’s domestic market. Production had previously been suspended after Iran’s restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz severely disrupted shipping routes, preventing Qatar from delivering energy supplies to international customers. Qatar factory explosion video Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media appeared to capture the moment the explosion struck the facility in Ras Laffan, sending flames and smoke into the air.
(Live Mint couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the video) Qatar's Ministry of Interior took to X (text translated from Arabic to English), "In addition to the foregoing, the incident resulted from a technical malfunction during operations at one of the factories in the Ras Laffan Industrial Area, and it led to a number of injuries, without any leakage occurring that poses a danger to individuals' safety, while the competent authorities continue to handle the incident.” The Barzan gas plant was capable of producing nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, supplying much of Qatar’s domestic electricity needs and powering the desalination facilities that provide water across the arid Arabian Peninsula.
Qatar holds an overwhelming stake in the facility, while a smaller share is owned by ExxonMobil. The company did not immediately comment on the incident. The plant had previously been affected in March when an Iranian missile struck the Ras Laffan industrial area, triggering a fire that authorities said caused significant damage before being brought under control. Production at the site had already been suspended because of Iranian attacks. Also Read | FIFA World Cup 2026 scores: Salah scores as Egypt clinch historic win
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