A gas plant explosion in Qatar on Sunday evening has killed 13 people and injured 66 others, authorities said on Monday, as Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi sought to reassure global markets that the country's energy exports would continue without disruption.
Speaking to reporters, al-Kaabi announced on Monday that the victims were Indian and Pakistani nationals and said all those injured were receiving medical treatment, with none in life-threatening condition.
“I find myself today having to do something I have always hoped will never happen,” he said, expressing condolences for the victims.
‘Accident, not sabotage’
Al-Kaabi said preliminary findings indicate the explosion was an accident and not the result of sabotage or any hostile act.
“This was an accident and not sabotage or hostile in nature,” he said.
The minister also moved quickly to calm concerns over potential supply disruptions, emphasising that the incident would have no impact on Qatar’s energy exports.
Exports to continue
Qatar, one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, will maintain normal export operations despite the deadly blast, according to al-Kaabi.
“This will not affect in any way our exports to the world,” he said, underscoring the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure as authorities continue investigating the cause of the explosion.
