DOHA, June 22 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) — An explosion at a gas distribution station in the industrial city of Ras Laffan in Qatar killed 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani citizens, Qatari Minister of State for Energy Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi said on Monday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
On Sunday evening, the Qatari Interior Ministry said that an internal explosion occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City due to a technical incident, injuring several people.
“The tragedy claimed the lives of 13 of our employees from India and Pakistan. Another 66 employees were injured and are being treated in hospitals. Their health is not alarming,” the minister said at a press conference, adding that among the injured there are citizens of Qatar, as well as natives of Asian and African countries.
The explosion was not related to military action or sabotage, the minister also said.
“The incident at the Barzan gas distribution station, where the explosion occurred, did not have a negative impact on the environment,” he stated, adding that the explosion did not affect export volumes or local supplies.
At the same time, the minister was reluctant to say when the facility would be restored, adding that it is still necessary to carry out a full damage assessment.
He also stated that the facility had been completely shut down since December 2025 and was only reopened two days ago.
Reuters reported on Sunday that at least 18 people went missing after the blast.
— BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI