At least 13 people were killed and 66 injured in a powerful explosion at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plant in the Ras Laffan industrial zone near Doha, the capital of Qatar, Reuters reported, citing the Qatar Ministry of Energy.

The disaster occurred on the evening of June 21. According to QatarEnergy, the explosion was caused by a “technical incident” during the startup of production at the Barzan gas processing plant.

Reuters reported that the fire broke out while workers were restoring operations at the facility, which had been shut down after an Iranian missile attack in March. The blast was so powerful that it was felt in central Doha, more than 70 kilometers from Ras Laffan, the agency added.

An investigation into the incident has been launched. The injured are receiving medical assistance. The plant's operations have been temporarily suspended.

Source: www.gazeta.uz