A major incident hit a gas distribution unit in Qatar on June 21, authorities said. The government reported on June 22 that the accident resulted in 54 people being injured and that 18 individuals still remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior explained that the event took place at the end of the 21st in the industrial area of Ras Laffan, attributing the cause to a “technical issue”. This region is recognized globally as one of the largest production and export hubs for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which highlights the strategic importance of local infrastructure for global energy supply. The incident affected a unit responsible for supplying gas to a local company located in that area.
The day after the incident, June 22, the ministry confirmed on its X platform (formerly known as Twitter) the number of 54 injured. The ministry also reiterated the continuity of the search for 18 individuals who have not yet been located.
The detonation generated a noise that spread widely, reaching as far as the capital, Doha. An AFP journalist, positioned 20 kilometers away, described seeing an imposing column of flames and bright orange smoke rising from the scene of the incident.
Qatar Energy, the country’s state-owned energy company, said the explosion occurred “during the initial stage of operations in the Ras Laffan Industrial City.” An emergency preparedness team was immediately mobilized to the area, and the flames were successfully brought under control.
It is worth noting that the Ras Laffan industrial zone has previously faced significant disruptions, including stoppages in gas production, as a result of attacks by Iran that targeted its energy infrastructure.
The Ministry of the Interior initially explained that the detonation was “due to internal factors”. Later, in an official statement, he added the information, stating that the incident was caused by a “technical failure”.
According to Qatar Energy, the affected infrastructure has the capacity to supply approximately 1.4 billion standard cubic feet (equivalent to approximately 40 million cubic meters) of gas daily. This volume is essential to supply power plants, seawater desalination stations and various industries in the region. In addition, the plant produces ethane, condensate, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and sulfur, both for domestic consumption and export.