Dozens hurt, 18 missing after explosion tears through Qatar gas plant

A major explosion at Qatar’s principal energy complex has left at least 54 people injured and 18 others unaccounted for, according to Euronews, citing the country’s Interior Ministry, which said search and rescue teams remain at the scene.

The incident occurred Sunday night at the Ras Laffan industrial area, Qatar’s main natural gas export hub, where workers had been attempting to restore operations following damage caused during the conflict between the U.S. and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other.

Authorities said the explosion and resulting fire broke out at the Barzan gas supply facility located in the area while efforts were underway to restart activity at the site. State-owned QatarEnergy confirmed the location of the blast but did not provide details on the extent of the damage.

Initial reports suggested only a small number of injuries. However, updated figures released hours later by the Interior Ministry indicated a far higher toll, with dozens wounded and multiple people still missing.

The explosion raises fresh concerns for global energy markets. Qatar is among the world’s leading natural gas producers, and disruptions to its energy infrastructure could affect international supplies.

The Barzan facility is capable of producing nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day. Its output is used largely for domestic electricity generation and for powering Qatar’s desalination plants.

The Ras Laffan site had already sustained damage earlier this year. In March, an Iranian missile strike triggered a fire that authorities described as causing extensive destruction before it was brought under control. Production had already been suspended because of the attacks.