A major explosion and fire at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s key natural gas processing hub, left at least 54 people injured and 18 others missing on Sunday, triggering a large-scale emergency response operation.
The blast occurred at the Barzan gas facility during the start-up of operations, according to QatarEnergy. Authorities described the incident as a “technical accident” and said rescue teams were continuing search efforts for the missing workers. The resulting fire was brought under control by emergency crews, and officials said there was no immediate threat to public safety.
Dramatic videos circulating online showed a massive fireball rising above the facility, highlighting the scale of the explosion. Ras Laffan is Qatar’s principal liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export centre and plays a critical role in global energy supplies.
The incident comes as Qatar works to restore energy operations following disruptions linked to regional tensions and the conflict involving Iran. The explosion has renewed concerns about potential impacts on global gas markets, given Qatar’s position as one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, while assessments of damage to the facility are ongoing.
