A devastating explosion at the Barzan Gas Supply Limited plant in Qatar’s industrial city of Ras Laffan has left 54 people injured and at least 18 missing, according to separate statements released late Sunday by QatarEnergy and the country’s Ministry of Interior.
Authorities say the blast was caused by an internal mechanical failure. Fire and Civil Defense teams battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control, and search operations are now underway to locate the missing workers.
Ras Laffan, located about 80 kilometres north of Doha, is one of Qatar’s most strategically important cities, home to the majority of the nation’s LNG production facilities. Qatar is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas, and Barzan Gas Supply Limited is among the key plants operating in the region.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the facility, while residents reported that the flames were visible from 20 kilometres away. The explosion was so powerful that its sound was heard in parts of Doha, witnesses told AFP.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that construction work was underway on a new plant inside the facility, and the explosion occurred shortly after work began on Sunday evening.
As rescue teams continue their search, the incident has raised fresh concerns about industrial safety in one of the world’s most critical energy hubs.
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