ALBAWABA - A technical glitch caused an explosion at a facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City that triggered an emergency reaction and injured numerous individuals, Qatari authorities said.
Officials said in a statement released by the Ministry of Interior that an internal explosion in one of the industrial plants in the vital energy hub north of Doha triggered the event. Civil Defense teams instantly rushed to the spot and started securing the area and assessing the situation.
Authorities stated that the explosion caused a number of casualties but emphasized that no significant gas leak or environmental threat was identified. Officials said specialized rescue teams are still on scene and investigations are underway to determine the origin of the issue.
The event was near Ras Laffan Industrial City, some 80 km north of the Qatari capital. The complex is Qatar's principal processing facility for natural gas from the North Field, which is one of the world's largest gas deposits, and is a vital part of the country's energy infrastructure.
Officials have not said how extensive the damage was or the status of those injured, but stressed that the situation was under control and there was no ongoing threat to surrounding buildings or citizens.
The blast is drawing attention because of the strategic importance of Ras Laffan, which is central to Qatar’s liquefied natural gas production and export business. Authorities are likely to reveal new facts as investigations continue.
