An explosion at Qatar’s largest gas plant killed at least 13 people and injured 66 others
A catastrophic explosion at Qatar’s prominent LNG facility has resulted in the deaths of 13 workers and left many others injured, prompting the initiation of investigations.
Authorities confirmed on Monday that at least 13 people have died and 66 others have been injured due to a powerful explosion at Qatar’s largest gas processing facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City.
The explosion took place on Sunday night at the Barzan local gas supply facility, an essential part of Qatar’s extensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, sending flames soaring into the sky and instilling panic among residents throughout the country.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry characterized the incident as a “technical accident,” while Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi dismissed any possibility of sabotage or hostile attack.
“This was an accident and not sabotage or hostile in nature,” Al-Kaabi stated, noting that the government had initiated an investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion.
The explosion was said to be felt over 70 kilometers away in central Doha, with residents recounting how windows shook as the night sky illuminated in orange from the flames.
Al-Kaabi stated that the incident would not impact Qatar’s energy exports, even though it took place at one of the globe’s key LNG hubs. However, he observed that it was still uncertain when regular operations would recommence.
“Plant production was intentionally halted entirely since December 2025 due to urgent maintenance needs; it was only restarted again just two days ago,” he stated.
Authorities confirmed that all the deceased were workers hailing from India and Pakistan. Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the location and successfully managed to bring the fire under control.
The Embassy of India in Doha conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stated that it is collaborating closely with Qatari authorities to offer support to those impacted.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident at Ras Laffan Industrial City last night,” the embassy stated in a message shared on social media.
QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy giant, has confirmed that an explosion took place during evening operations at the Barzan facility, which had recently resumed activities following months of shutdown and maintenance work.
The Ras Laffan Industrial City hosts the largest LNG export facility in the world and boasts the largest artificial harbor globally, establishing it as a vital center for international energy supplies.
The facility had earlier experienced damage due to retaliatory strikes associated with the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this year. However, officials stressed that the explosion on Sunday had no connection to any external attack.
