Blast at Ras Laffan industrial area occurs during efforts to restart operations, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability.
At least 54 people were injured and 18 others reported missing after an explosion and fire struck a facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the country’s most important energy hubs, authorities said.
The incident occurred late Sunday night at the Barzan gas supply facility while work was underway to resume operations following disruptions linked to the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
According to Qatar’s Interior Ministry, the explosion was caused by a “technical malfunction” and was described as an “internal explosion”. Authorities said emergency teams were continuing search and rescue operations for the 18 missing persons.
“A total of 54 people were injured in the incident that occurred at a factory in the Ras Laffan Industrial City,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.
The ministry also sought to reassure residents, stating that there had been no hazardous leak or release of substances that could threaten public safety, The Peninsula reported.
The blast occurred at the Barzan gas facility, which has a production capacity of nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day. The facility plays a crucial role in supplying natural gas for electricity generation and powering Qatar’s desalination plants. The project is largely owned by QatarEnergy, with a minority stake held by ExxonMobil.
The explosion comes as Qatar was attempting to restore normal operations after disruptions caused by tensions in the Gulf region. Energy exports from the country had been affected by restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during the recent conflict.
