Post by : Bianca
Haleem
A powerful explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial area has left at least 54 people injured and 18 others missing, according to official figures released by authorities.
The blast occurred on Sunday night at the Barzan gas supply facility, one of the country's key energy sites. The incident happened while workers were carrying out operations to bring the facility back online after previous disruptions caused by regional conflict.
The explosion triggered a major fire, sending emergency teams rushing to the scene. While early reports suggested only a limited number of casualties, Qatar's Interior Ministry later confirmed that 54 people were injured and 18 remained missing several hours after the blast.
QatarEnergy said the accident happened during efforts to restart operations at the Barzan plant. The exact cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage are still under investigation.
The Barzan facility plays a crucial role in Qatar's energy network, producing nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. The gas is used to generate electricity and supply desalination plants that provide fresh water across the country.
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Qatar had previously suspended production at Ras Laffan after security concerns linked to Iranian attacks and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affected energy exports. As conditions improved and negotiations over a long-term ceasefire continued, authorities began work to restore operations.
The facility is largely owned by Qatar, with a minority stake held by ExxonMobil. The company has not yet commented on the incident.
The latest explosion raises fresh concerns over energy security and could have implications for global gas markets, given Qatar's position as one of the world's leading natural gas exporters. Search efforts for the missing workers are ongoing, while officials continue to assess the impact of the blast.
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