Qatar factory explosion injures 54, 18 missing in Ras Laffan industrial zone
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
An explosion at a factory in Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial zone on Sunday injured 54 people and left 18 missing, according to the Gulf state’s interior ministry. The ministry stated that a "technical incident" or "technical malfunction" caused the blast. State-owned firm QatarEnergy confirmed the incident occurred "during the start-up of operations at Ras Laffan Industrial City," resulting in an explosion and fire at the Barzan local gas supply facility. An AFP journalist observed flames and a smoke plume from 20 kilometers away. Ras Laffan, home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas hub, had previously sustained damage from the US-Iran war, with Iranian strikes targeting Gulf energy infrastructure and forcing Qatar to halt gas production. Qatar, a leading liquefied natural gas producer, ceased LNG production on March 2 after Iranian drone strikes hit key facilities. Further attacks on March 18 were expected to reduce LNG export capacity by 17 percent, with repairs estimated to take three to five years, according to Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down, with UK media indicating a potential announcement as early as Monday. This comes as Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election, is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament, clearing the way for a leadership challenge. Starmer's office has not confirmed any decision or press conference timings, though junior education minister Jacqui Smith stated Starmer was reflecting on what is best for the country. Speculation about Starmer's resignation intensified following Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield constituency. Under Labour rules, the party leader must be an MP. If Starmer resigns, it would mark Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade. The Guardian reported that Starmer is expected to announce his resignation due to pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Burnham. The BBC also noted growing signs of Starmer's potential resignation. US President Donald Trump predicted Starmer's departure, citing failures in immigration and energy policies. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor since 2017, has expressed his intention to lead the Labour party. Starmer, who took office in July 2024, has faced a tenure marked by missteps, policy U-turns, scandals, and ministerial resignations, including a near ousting in March over the appointment of Peter Mandelson. Recent local and regional poll losses further intensified pressure on Starmer, leading to the Makerfield by-election that allowed Bu
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