Ras Laffan explosion in Qatar kills 13; Indian Embassy confirms 12 Indian deaths

An explosion at a factory in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar killed 13 people. Officials said 12 of those who died were Indian nationals. QatarEnergy said the blast happened on Sunday evening. The company linked the incident to the start-up of operations at the Barzan local gas supply facility.

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The Indian Embassy in Doha confirmed the deaths in a post on X on Monday. It said Qatari officials reported that the 12 Indians died in the incident on Sunday night. The Embassy added that those hurt were stable and receiving treatment. It also said it was supporting affected families.

Ras Laffan incident: Indian Embassy updates and support

The Embassy said it was coordinating closely with Qatari authorities after the Ras Laffan incident. It said assistance included steps to send the mortal remains to India quickly. It also said it remained in regular contact with officials. The Embassy said it would help families of those killed or injured.

Earlier, the Embassy had expressed concern after reports of injuries and missing people. It 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. We wish for the speedy recovery of those injured and hope and pray for the safety of those missing,\"

Ras Laffan incident: Qatar confirms deaths and injuries

Qatar’s energy minister, Saad bin Shreida Al-Kaabi, spoke at a press briefing on Monday. Saad bin Shreida Al-Kaabi said 13 people of Indian and Pakistani origins died. Qatari authorities have not released names in the statements cited. The total death count remained 13 on Monday.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Interior said a technical malfunction occurred during operations. The ministry said the incident killed 13 people and injured 66 others. It said victims were of various nationalities. It also said security authorities responded quickly with emergency teams in Ras Laffan.

Ras Laffan incident: Emergency response and ongoing probe

The Ministry of Interior said approved emergency procedures were used at the site. It said injured people were moved to medical facilities for treatment. It also said search and response work at the scene had finished. Investigators were continuing work to identify the technical cause and other circumstances.

The ministry said no leaks were found after the Ras Laffan incident. It added there was no danger to public safety or the surrounding environment. Officials said investigations were continuing. The Indian Embassy said it was keeping in touch with Qatari authorities as updates emerged.

With inputs from PTI