13 Dead, Dozens Injured After Qatar LNG Facility Explosion

Mon Jun 22 2026 18:42:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A massive blast at Qatar's Ras Laffan gas plant on June 21 killed 13 people and injured 66; officials say it poses no threat to exports.

On the night of June 21, a technical accident at Qatar’s largest liquified natural gas site in Ras Laffan triggered a huge explosion that killed 13 workers and left 66 injured. Energy Minister Saad Sherida al‑Kaabi confirmed the incident was accidental and not sabotage or hostile. The facility, a key export hub for global LNG, was recently restarted after a pause due to earlier regional conflicts. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, and the plant’s output may be reduced by 12.8 million tonnes for several years as repairs continue.

13 Dead, Dozens Injured After Qatar LNG Facility Explosion

At least 13 workers lost their lives and 66 others were wounded when a technical accident detonated in Qatar's largest liquified natural gas (LNG) processing plant in the Ras Laffan industrial zone.

The explosion occurred on Sunday night at the Barzan local gas supply facility, sending orange‑tinged clouds across the Doha skyline. The blast rattled windows and was felt more than 70 km from the site, creating widespread panic.

Energy Minister Saad Sherida al‑Kaabi stated the incident would not affect the country’s exports and described it as an accident, not sabotage or hostile action.

Ras Laffan is the world’s largest artificial harbour and hosts the largest LNG export facility. It was targeted by Iranian strikes earlier this year as part of a broader regional conflict.

Recovery is uncertain; operations had been halted in December 2025 for urgent maintenance and only resumed two days before the blast. The ministry is still determining exact causes, but early reports suggest the explosion may bring a 12.8‑million‑tonne drop in output over three to five years during repairs.

All casualties so far are from India and Pakistan. The Embassy of India in Doha pledged support to the families of the victims and the injured.

Emergency teams were dispatched promptly to control the fire, which is now under control. The incident underscores the vulnerability of key energy infrastructure amid regional tensions.

Check updated BBC report for latest developments on repairs and output deviations.