Coordinating With Qatar To Repatriate Mortal Remains Of 12 Indian Killed In Ras Laffan Blast: MEA

New Delhi: India is coordinating with Qatari officials to identify and repatriate the bodies of 12 Indian nationals who died after an explosion at the Ras Laffan gas field, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday, PTI reported.

The blast occurred at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, a site operated by QatarEnergy LNG, and left 66 people injured, including several Indians.

“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 his weekly 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,” Jaiswal said.

When asked about measures India is taking after the deaths of its citizens in Qatar, he said the ministry was also contacting relatives of those who lost their lives in the accident.

“We are also in touch with family members of those who have died in this very unfortunate accident,” he added.

The Indian Embassy in Doha said on X on Monday that “Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night”.

Quoting Qatari officials, the mission added that all those injured are in stable condition and receiving appropriate medical care.

“Our Embassy is working in close contact with the Qatari authorities to extend all possible help to the Indian nationals and their families affected by this incident, including ensuring that mortal remains of the deceased are sent to India at the earliest,” it said.

At a Monday briefing, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad bin Shreida Al-Kaabi stated that 13 people of Indian and Pakistani origin had died in the blast.

Officials said those wounded come from a range of countries, including Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Nepal.

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