Qatar's liquefied natural gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City reported a shocking explosion during operational startup on the 21st, leaving at least 54 injured and 18 still missing as of the 22nd. The incident is feared to further disrupt global energy markets.
Footage circulating on social platform X shows a massive fireball erupting during the explosion, instantly lighting up the night sky with blazing red flames, creating a terrifying scene.
State-owned enterprise "QatarEnergy" stated that the accident caused an explosion at the local Barzan Gas Plant, which triggered a fire. Authorities have now brought the fire under control.
The Ministry of Interior attributed the explosion to a "technical incident" and noted that there has been no leakage posing a threat to public safety.
Ras Laffan Industrial City is home to the world’s largest facility for the production and export of liquefied natural gas. During the war between the US and Israel with Iran, it had been attacked by Iran and was shut down for a period of time.