New Delhi, June 23: A devastating explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City gas facility in Qatar has resulted in the deaths of 12 Indian citizens. The Indian government has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and is working with local authorities to repatriate the deceased’s bodies to India.
During a weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The loss of 12 Indian lives is extremely unfortunate. Many other nationals also perished in this incident, but our country mourns the loss of these 12 individuals. Several others have sustained injuries.”
He further mentioned the injured, stating, “Approximately 66 individuals from various countries were injured. We do not have precise information on how many of them are Indian citizens, but all the injured are reported to be safe. We are in discussions with local authorities to identify the deceased and facilitate their return to India. We are also in contact with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his condolences, sharing on social media platform X, “I am deeply saddened by the news of deaths and injuries, including those of Indian citizens, in the explosion at Ras Laffan.”
According to Qatar Energy, a total of 13 individuals lost their lives in the incident, including citizens from India and Pakistan. The injured comprise nationals from Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal.
The company clarified that the incident was an industrial accident caused by a technical malfunction.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the explosion occurred due to a technical glitch during operations. The ministry also confirmed that there was no gas leak posing a threat to the surrounding area.
Authorities reported that emergency services promptly initiated relief and rescue operations, and further investigations are ongoing.
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