India on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the death of 12 Indian nationals in an explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City Gas Facility in Qatar, which occurred on Sunday night. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with Qatari authorities for identification and repatriation of the mortal remains.
MEA Confirms 12 Indian Fatalities
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "It is very unfortunate, the death of 12 Indian nationals. Several others also died of other nationalities, but we lost 12 of our nationals in the tragedy in Ras Laffan, where an explosion happened." He added that approximately 66 people were injured across nationalities, though the exact number of injured Indians is not yet confirmed. "All those people who are injured are safe," Jaiswal assured.
Efforts for Identification and Repatriation
The MEA said it is in close contact with local authorities for the identification of mortal remains and their transportation to India. "We are talking to the local authorities for the identification of the mortal remains, as well as for the transportation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in touch with the family members of those who died in this very unfortunate incident," the MEA stated.
External Affairs Minister Expresses Sorrow
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed his grief on X, writing, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries, including those of Indian nationals, in the explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City." The Indian Embassy in Doha earlier confirmed that 12 Indian nationals had died in the incident.
QatarEnergy Confirms 13 Dead, 66 Injured
QatarEnergy reported that 13 people lost their lives in the explosion and subsequent fire, with 66 others undergoing medical treatment. The company stated that none of the injured are in life-threatening condition. The deceased were identified as Indian and Pakistani nationals, while the injured included citizens of Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal. QatarEnergy extended condolences and pledged full support to those affected.
Operational Accident, Not Sabotage
QatarEnergy emphasized that the incident was an operational accident and "not sabotage or hostile in nature." The Barzan gas facility had been completely halted since December 2025 for urgent maintenance and was restarted only two days before the incident. Emergency response teams, along with Qatar's Civil Defence, swiftly contained and extinguished the fire. An assessment of damage to the Barzan facility and nearby infrastructure is underway. QatarEnergy assured that its LNG facilities, Ras Laffan Port, logistics operations, and export capabilities remain unaffected.
Technical Malfunction Suspected
Qatar's Ministry of Interior stated that preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a technical malfunction during operations. Security authorities and emergency teams initiated rescue procedures per approved plans. All injured were transported for medical treatment, and search operations at the site have been completed. Investigations continue to determine the precise technical causes. The ministry confirmed no leak from the incident poses a threat to individuals or the environment.
