Dozens injured, 18 missing after blast during restart at giant Qatar LNG site

RAS LAFFAN INDUSTRIAL CITY, QATAR - MARCH 3: A picture of Qatar Energy's operating facilities on March 3, 2026 in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. Qatar Energy announced a complete halt to liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities on March 2, 2026, after Iranian attacks targeted energy facilities. (Photo by Getty Images) Getty Images | Getty Images News | Getty Images Fifty-four people were injured and 18 are missing after an explosion at Qatar's massive Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex, which occurred as workers were restarting operations halted after an Iranian attack in March. Authorities said a 'technical accident' occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility on Sunday evening and that there was no threat to public safety. The blast rattled windows and was felt across central Doha, panicking residents more than 70 kilometres from Ras Laffan. Qatar's Interior Ministry said in a statement that 54 people had been injured and rescue teams were looking for 18 missing people. Emergency response teams were deployed and the fire has since been brought under control. QatarEnergy did not say whether the explosion had caused any damage to the plant, which supplies pipeline gas to local industry and Qatar's power generation sector. It can also produce ethane, condensate, liquefied petroleum gas and sulphur for domestic and export markets.​ Qatar, which hosts a major U.S. …