At least 13 people were killed and 66 people injured after an explosion at Qatar's core LNG processing site of Ras Laffan on Sunday, Energy Minister Saad al-Kaab said on Monday.
Authorities described the blast as a “technical accident” during operations at a major gas facility.
The incident occurred on Sunday in the Ras Laffan industrial zone, located north of the capital Doha and home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub.
The interior ministry confirmed on Monday that 54 people were injured, while 18 remain missing. Rescue teams are continuing search operations in coordination with civil defence and internal security forces.
An AFP journalist, stationed about 20 kilometres away, reported seeing flames lighting up the night sky and thick smoke rising from the industrial area.
Cause described as ‘technical incident’
Authorities said the blast was triggered by a “technical malfunction” during the start-up phase of operations.
QatarEnergy confirmed that the explosion occurred at the Barzan gas supply facility, which is part of the Ras Laffan Industrial City infrastructure.
Video reportedly showing the moment of the explosion in the Ras Laffan Industrial City area of Qatar.pic.twitter.com/uWTP9Ef6fk https://t.co/V4XGXkJ65m
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 21, 2026
The company said emergency teams quickly responded and managed to bring the fire under control.
Earlier statements from the interior ministry said there was no leak posing a safety threat to surrounding areas.
Search for missing people underway
The Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, alongside civil defence teams, has launched a large-scale operation to locate the missing individuals.
Officials have not yet provided details about the identities of those affected or the extent of the damage inside the facility.
Authorities continue to monitor the site to ensure safety while rescue operations proceed.
Ras Laffan Industrial City is a central pillar of Qatar’s energy sector and a key node in global LNG supply chains.
The complex hosts gas processing plants, petrochemical facilities, and export infrastructure linked to Qatar’s North Field — the world’s largest natural gas reserve.
Any disruption in the area is closely watched by global energy markets due to its importance in supplying gas to Europe, Asia, and other regions.
Barzan gas facility details
The explosion occurred at the Barzan Gas Project, which plays a major role in supplying pipeline gas for domestic use.
The facility supports electricity generation, water desalination, and industrial operations within Qatar.
Its capacity is estimated at 1.4 billion cubic feet per day, making it a key component of the country’s internal energy system.
QatarEnergy stated that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the fire following the blast.
Authorities emphasized that safety protocols were activated quickly and that the situation was brought under control.
However, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess potential operational impacts.
Ras Laffan has previously been affected by regional tensions, including strikes targeting Gulf energy infrastructure during past conflicts.
The latest incident comes at a sensitive time for the region’s energy security, although officials have not linked the explosion to any external cause.
Energy analysts are closely monitoring the situation due to Qatar’s role as one of the world’s largest LNG exporters alongside the United States, Australia, and Russia.
