NEW DELHi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City gas facility that killed 12 Indian nationals and left dozens injured.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “I thank His Highness the Amir of Qatar for his phone call and condolences on the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the tragic accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar.”The Prime Minister added, “We both share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. India and Qatar remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and stand in solidarity with each other.”The blast and subsequent fire at the Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday night claimed the lives of 13 people in total, including 12 Indians, according to Qatari authorities. Sixty-six people of multiple nationalities were also injured.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is working closely with Qatari authorities to identify the victims and arrange the repatriation of their mortal remains.“Very unfortunate…we lost 12 of our nationals in the tragedy at Ras Laffan gas field, where an explosion happened. Several people have also been injured,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing.“I am told that some 66 people are injured, across nationalities. We don’t know how many of them are Indian nationals. But, all those people who are injured are safe and receiving medical treatment. We are talking to the local authorities for identification of the mortal remains, as also for transportation of the mortal remains to India,” he said.Jaiswal added that Indian officials are also in contact with the families of those who died in the accident.
