A powerful explosion has struck a gas facility in Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, leaving at least 54 people injured and 18 others missing, authorities have confirmed.
The blast occurred late on Sunday, June 21, at Ras Laffan, Qatar's major natural gas export hub located about 80 kilometres north of the capital, Doha.
According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Interior Ministry, 54 people sustained injuries in the incident, while emergency responders have launched search operations for 18 individuals reported missing.
The ministry described the explosion as the result of a “technical accident” and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to safety. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the exact cause of the blast.
Rescue teams and emergency personnel were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident as efforts continue to locate the missing individuals and assess the extent of the damage.
The affected facility is believed to be linked to the Barzan gas project, one of Qatar’s key energy assets. The Barzan gas facility has a production capacity of approximately 1.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day and plays a critical role in supplying pipeline gas to local industries and power generation plants across the country.
In addition to natural gas, the facility produces ethane, condensate, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and sulfur for both domestic consumption and export markets.
The explosion has raised concerns within the energy sector due to Ras Laffan’s strategic importance to Qatar’s economy. The industrial city serves as the country's primary export terminal for liquefied natural gas and other petroleum products.
The incident also comes months after Ras Laffan was reportedly targeted during regional hostilities involving Iran, an event that led to the temporary shutdown of operations at the facility for several weeks.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the explosion, while rescue efforts remain ongoing. Further updates are expected as officials provide more information on the cause of the incident and the condition of those affected.
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