Qatar Gas Explosion: 13 Dead, Including 12 Indians, 66 Injured
A powerful explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas processing facility killed 13 people, including 12 Indians, and injured 66 others in a technical accident.
A major explosion at the Barzan gas processing facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City killed 13 people, including 12 Indians, and injured 66 others.
In December 2025, the Barzan gas processing facility was shut down for urgent maintenance work. According to Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi, production at the plant remained completely stopped for several months.
In March 2026, the Ras Laffan area was affected during the Iran-U.S. conflict. Iranian strikes targeted the area, disrupting Qatar’s gas operations and affecting production. The conflict also disrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for transporting oil and gas. This affected Qatar’s ability to export gas to many countries.
As tensions eased and peace talks continued, Qatar started restoring its gas export operations. Around 18–19 June 2026, the Barzan gas processing facility resumed operations after remaining shut since December 2025.
On 21 June, a powerful explosion took place at the Barzan gas processing facility inside Ras Laffan Industrial City. Emergency teams rushed to the site and later brought the fire under control.
Authorities said the explosion was a technical accident and was not linked to the war or any sabotage. Saad al-Kaabi said the developments in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks in the Gulf region were separate issues. He also said there was no environmental risk from the explosion.
The explosion killed 13 people and injured 66 others. Among those who died were 12 Indian nationals and one Pakistani.
The Indian Embassy in Doha said it was providing assistance to the affected families while Qatari authorities continued their investigation.
The injured included citizens of Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal. Authorities said none of them were in life-threatening condition.
The accident is considered one of the deadliest incidents in the global gas industry since a major accident in 2004 that killed 27 people. Authorities also confirmed that liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities were not directly affected by the blast.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the deaths of the Indian workers and assured support to the affected families.
Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Emir expressed condolences over the deaths of the 12 Indian nationals. Prime Minister Modi thanked him for his support and condolences. The two leaders also discussed regional peace efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Qatar relations.
