At least 13 people were killed and 66 others injured in a major explosion at the Barzan gas facility in Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday night. The Qatari government has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to authorities, the explosion occurred at the Barzan gas supply facility located in the Ras Laffan Industrial Area, one of Qatar's largest gas-processing hubs. Large flames and a massive plume of smoke were seen rising from the site following the blast.
Qatar's Ministry of Interior described the incident as a "technical accident." The government said preliminary investigations had found no indications of sabotage, terrorist activity, or an external attack. Emergency response and rescue teams were deployed immediately, and the fire was brought under control after several hours of operations.
The explosion was powerful enough to be felt in the capital, Doha, located approximately 70 kilometres from Ras Laffan. Local residents reported hearing the blast and said windows in several buildings shook following the incident.
Images and videos circulating on social media showed the sky illuminated by an orange glow. Several people described it as one of the country's most serious industrial accidents in recent years.
Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi confirmed that all those who died in the incident were citizens of India and Pakistan. The process of identifying the deceased and injured is ongoing.
The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences over the incident and said it remains in continuous contact with the Qatari government. The embassy stated that all possible assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and to those injured in the explosion. In its statement, the embassy conveyed deep sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident in Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Ras Laffan Port is regarded as the world's largest artificial harbour and is among the most important export centres for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Qatar is one of the world's leading LNG producers and exporters, supplying energy to multiple regions, including Asia and Europe.
Energy experts said that any major accident at the facility could affect international energy markets. However, the Qatari government stated that the current incident would have no immediate impact on the country's LNG exports.
According to Energy Minister Al-Kaabi, the Barzan gas facility had remained fully shut since December 2025 due to required maintenance work. Operations resumed only two days before the explosion.
He said the incident occurred while efforts were underway to restore production to normal levels. Preliminary assessments suggest the explosion may have been linked to a technical issue associated with the facility's restart process, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.
The minister said it was too early to determine when full operations at the facility could be restored.
Following the explosion, concerns emerged regarding a possible gas leak and environmental damage. The Qatari government said no signs of any major environmental threat had been detected so far.
Officials said teams of experts were continuously monitoring air quality and surrounding areas. According to authorities, the situation remains under control and no widespread risk to public health has been confirmed.
Ras Laffan's energy infrastructure has attracted international attention in recent years due to regional tensions and security concerns, making it strategically important.
Following the explosion, security agencies began examining all possible aspects of the incident. However, the Qatari government reiterated that available evidence indicates an industrial accident rather than the result of an attack.
Qatar is a key part of the global LNG supply chain, and many countries depend on Qatari gas to meet their energy needs. The accident has therefore drawn attention from international energy markets.
Experts said LNG prices could experience fluctuations if repairs take longer than expected or if production remains disrupted for an extended period. The Qatari government said necessary measures were being taken to fulfil export commitments.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion. A joint team of technical experts, security agencies and energy-sector officials is examining the site.
Medical treatment for the injured is continuing, while assistance is being provided to affected families. The Qatari government said the investigation report would be made public after completion and that necessary safety measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
