Qatar Gas Facility Explosion Claims Lives of 12 Indians; Investigation Underway Into Technical Failure
India mourned the deaths of 12 citizens killed in a devastating explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City gas facility. The blast claimed 13 lives and injured 66 people from multiple countries. Authorities have ruled out sabotage and launched a full investigation into a suspected technical malfunction.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the tragedy as deeply unfortunate and said that apart from the 12 Indians who lost their lives, several foreign nationals were also killed. He stated that around 66 people of different nationalities sustained injuries in the incident. While the exact number of injured Indians has not yet been confirmed, all those who were hurt are reported to be safe.
Jaiswal said Indian authorities are working closely with their counterparts in Qatar to complete the identification process of the deceased and arrange the transportation of their mortal remains to India. He added that the government is also maintaining contact with the families of those who died in the tragedy.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries caused by the explosion. In a message posted on social media platform X, he said he was deeply saddened by the deaths and injuries, including those involving Indian nationals, following the blast at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Earlier, the Embassy of India in Doha confirmed that 12 Indian citizens had died in the incident that occurred on Sunday night. Citing information provided by Qatari authorities, the embassy stated that all injured persons are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment.
In an updated statement issued on Monday, QatarEnergy confirmed that 13 people died in the explosion and the ensuing fire, while 66 others are undergoing medical treatment. The company said none of the injured individuals is in critical condition.
Offering condolences to the families of the victims, QatarEnergy said the deceased included Indian and Pakistani nationals. Those injured belong to several countries, including Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal.
The company said it extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives and pledged full support to everyone affected by the tragedy. It reiterated that the incident was an operational accident and not the result of sabotage or any hostile activity.
According to QatarEnergy, operations at the Barzan gas facility had remained completely suspended since December 2025 because of urgent maintenance requirements. The facility resumed operations only two days before the explosion.
QatarEnergy said emergency response teams, along with Qatar's Civil Defence authorities, swiftly brought the fire under control and extinguished it. Assessments are currently being carried out to determine the extent of damage to the Barzan facility and nearby infrastructure.
The company stressed that its liquefied natural gas facilities, Ras Laffan Port, logistics operations and export capabilities have not been affected by the explosion and fire.
Qatar's Ministry of Interior said preliminary findings indicate that a technical malfunction during operations at the facility caused the incident. In a statement, the ministry said security agencies and emergency response teams immediately initiated rescue and response measures in accordance with approved emergency plans. All injured persons were transferred to hospitals for treatment, and search operations at the site have been completed.
Authorities are continuing technical investigations to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to implement all necessary measures under existing legal and technical frameworks. The ministry also reassured the public that no gas leak or environmental threat resulting from the incident had been detected.
The Ministry of Interior extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the explosion has been launched.
The deadly explosion at one of Qatar's key energy facilities has highlighted the risks associated with industrial operations and prompted intensive efforts by both Indian and Qatari authorities to provide assistance to victims and determine the precise cause behind the tragedy.

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