Qatar: A major accident occurred in Qatar on Sunday, when a massive explosion occurred at an LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) plant in Ras Industrial City, Qatar, officials said. The intensity of the explosion caused flames to be visible for a long distance. 18 people are missing and 54 people have been injured in the incident.
According to a source in the Qatari energy department, the explosion occurred on Sunday evening during the start of LNG gas production. A huge fire broke out when the explosion occurred and emergency teams immediately reached the site.
The statement said that the fire was immediately brought under control. However, it is not yet known what the damage was. Natural gas from the Burjan plant is sent to the local market in Qatar. It is used for energy infrastructure along the border. A loud bang was heard in Doha, not far from the blast site. Videos showing large fireballs seen from an industrial area have gone viral on social media.
Civil defence teams and rescue workers worked late into the night.
The cause of the explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a technical fault, is being investigated. The impact of the incident on operations at the vast Ras Laffan complex, one of the world’s largest LNG processing and export hubs, is not yet known.
The Gulf states have also been embroiled in a war due to the US-Iran conflict. Despite a peace deal, the explosion in Qatar was caused by a technical fault. There was no indication that it could have been caused by an external cause. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.