At least 13 people, including 12 Indians, were killed and 66 others injured, after an explosion at Qatar’s key gas processing facility in Ras Laffan, officials said on Monday.
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Earlier, Qatar's energy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident and said an investigation into the cause had begun. He ruled out sabotage or aggression, saying the incident at the Barzan gas supply facility was accidental.
“I find myself today having to do something I have always hoped will never happen, and that is to announce, the tragic loss of 13 lives of our people who hold Indian and Pakistani nationalities. 66 people have been reported injured and are receiving medical treatment, none of whom are in life-threatening condition,” al-Kaabi said, as quoted by news agency AFP.
The explosion took place on Sunday night at the Ras Laffan industrial area, where Qatar was attempting to restart operations after production disruptions linked to the recent conflict in the region.
Indian embassy reaches out after casualties involving nationals
The embassy of India in Doha on Monday expressed concern over the incident and said it was in touch with the situation.
“Embassy of India, Doha expresses deep concern at the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Ras Laffan Industrial City yesterday, in which several people got injured and some are missing as per authorities,” the embassy said in a post.
Offering support to those affected, the embassy said, “At this challenging and difficult time, the Embassy of India and the entire Indian community in Qatar stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Qatar.”
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