Three Tamil Nadu Workers Among 12 Indians Killed in Qatar Gas Plant Explosion
Three workers from Tamil Nadu were among 12 Indians killed in a major explosion at a natural gas facility in Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Prasanth Subramani
A tragic explosion at a natural gas facility in Qatar has claimed the lives of 13 workers, including 12 Indian nationals. Among the deceased, three workers were identified as being from Tamil Nadu.
The accident occurred at the Barzan Gas Distribution Facility located within Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of Qatar's most important natural gas export hubs. The explosion reportedly took place on Sunday night during restoration and operational activities at the facility.
According to reports, the gas plant had previously suffered damage during a missile attack earlier this year amid regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Production at the facility had been temporarily suspended following the incident. After the recent ceasefire and easing of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, efforts were underway to restart operations at the plant.
During the restoration process, an unexpected explosion triggered a massive fire that engulfed large sections of the facility. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations, but the severity of the incident resulted in significant casualties.
Authorities have confirmed that the 13 victims were workers from India and Pakistan. In addition, 66 people sustained injuries in the accident. The injured include workers from India, Qatar, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, and several other countries.
Among the Indian victims, three workers from Tamil Nadu have been identified as Pavith from Radhapuram in Tirunelveli district, and Sujith Kumar and Kavin from Panagudi.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the families of the victims and the wider Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region. Efforts are underway to coordinate support for the affected families and facilitate necessary procedures following the tragedy.
India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and extended sympathies to the families of those who died in the accident.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are expected to continue as authorities assess the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the region in recent times.
