External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Indian nationals in an industrial explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar and assured all possible assistance to the affected families.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives and injuries resulting from the incident.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries, including of Indian nationals, in the explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City. As further details emerge, our Embassy continues to be in touch with Qatari authorities, and is reaching out to render assistance to the families of Indian nationals affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he wrote.
According to the Indian Embassy in Qatar, Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals were among those killed in the explosion that occurred on Monday night. The embassy extended its condolences to the bereaved families and said efforts were underway to provide all necessary support.
“Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls,” the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy further informed that all injured persons were in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical treatment.
“Qatari authorities have also confirmed that all those who got injured in the incident are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment,” it added.
Officials said the Indian Embassy is maintaining close coordination with Qatari authorities to facilitate assistance to affected families and ensure the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
“Our Embassy is working in close contact with the Qatari authorities to extend all possible help to the Indian nationals and their families affected by this incident, including ensuring that mortal remains of the deceased are sent to India at the earliest,” the statement said.
According to Qatari authorities, the tragedy was caused by an internal explosion followed by a fire triggered by a technical malfunction during operations at a factory in Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Later, QatarEnergy clarified that the incident occurred during the start-up phase of operations at the Barzan local gas supply facility, one of the country’s key energy infrastructure projects.
Investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are underway. The incident has drawn attention due to the significant presence of Indian workers in Qatar’s industrial and energy sectors.
The Government of India continues to monitor the situation closely while extending diplomatic and consular support to the affected families.
