India Condoles Death of 12 Indian Nationals in Qatar Gas Plant Explosion

India on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the death of 12 Indian nationals in a deadly explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City gas facility in Qatar, as authorities from both countries continued efforts to identify the victims and assist affected families. The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday night, also claimed the lives of other foreign nationals and left dozens injured, prompting a coordinated response from emergency services and diplomatic officials.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the incident as “very unfortunate” and confirmed that India had lost 12 citizens in the explosion. He stated that around 66 people from various nationalities were injured in the accident and that all those receiving treatment were reported to be safe. Indian authorities are working closely with Qatari officials to identify the deceased and facilitate the return of their mortal remains to India.

The Indian government has also established contact with the families of the victims and is providing necessary assistance during the difficult period. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries caused by the blast. In a message shared on social media, he conveyed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and reiterated India's support for its citizens in Qatar.

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According to the Indian Embassy in Doha, the 12 Indian nationals were among those killed in the explosion and subsequent fire at the industrial facility. QatarEnergy later confirmed that a total of 13 people lost their lives while 66 others sustained injuries. The company stated that none of the injured were in life-threatening condition and that all were receiving appropriate medical treatment at local hospitals.

QatarEnergy said the deceased included Indian and Pakistani nationals, while the injured represented several countries, including Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Nepal. The company emphasized that the incident was an operational accident and not the result of sabotage or any hostile activity. It also noted that the Barzan gas facility had resumed operations only two days before the explosion after undergoing months of maintenance work.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior said preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a technical malfunction during operations at the facility. Emergency teams quickly contained the fire, completed rescue operations and ensured all injured individuals were transported for treatment. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident, while reassuring the public that no hazardous gas leak or environmental threat resulted from the incident. QatarEnergy added that its LNG facilities, port operations and export capabilities remain unaffected.

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