Jamshedpur man among 13 killed in Qatar gas plant explosion
Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur
A tragic explosion at the Barzan Gas Plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, claimed the lives of 13 workers, including 12 Indian nationals and one Pakistani citizen. The incident has cast a shadow of grief over Jamshedpur, as one of the victims, Raza Ali Imam, hailed from the city’s Dhatkidih area.
Raza Ali Imam, a resident of A-Block, Dhatkidih, was working as an Instrument Technician with Qatar National Facility Services. News of his death reached Jamshedpur on Monday, leaving his family and neighbours devastated.
He is survived by his wife, a seven-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. Family members were inconsolable as relatives and well-wishers gathered at their residence to offer support. The entire neighbourhood was engulfed in grief, with residents expressing shock over the untimely loss.
The victim’s children remained withdrawn and silent, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of their father. Family members are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of his mortal remains from Qatar.
According to reports, the blast took place while workers were on duty at the gas plant. Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, clarified that the incident was a serious technical accident and not the result of sabotage or any external attack.
The plant had recently undergone extensive repair and maintenance work and had resumed operations only two days before the tragedy. During the initial restart phase, a powerful explosion reportedly ripped through the facility, leaving workers with little time to escape.
Qatar authorities confirmed that 13 workers died at the scene after being caught in the blast. At least 66 others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment. The injured include workers from India, Nepal, Qatar, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria. Officials stated that none of the injured are currently in critical condition.
The Indian Embassy in Doha has been actively coordinating with Qatari authorities following the accident. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Officials are expediting the necessary documentation and administrative procedures to facilitate the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals, including Raza Ali Imam.
