Tragedy in Doha. A massive gas explosion at a construction site in the Qatari capital has left 13 dead and dozens more injured. The blast, which occurred early this morning, sent a fireball into the sky and shook buildings for miles. Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation.
Numbers are still fluid. Authorities expect the toll to climb as rescue teams sift through the rubble. The injured have been rushed to hospitals across the city. Many are in critical condition.
Downing Street moved fast. The Foreign Office has activated its consular team. They are offering support to any British nationals caught up in the chaos. A spokesperson said: "We are in contact with Qatari authorities. Our thoughts are with the victims."
The politics of this are delicate. Qatar is a key ally in the Gulf. The UK has deep financial ties with the gas-rich emirate. But there will be questions. What caused the explosion? Was it negligence? Safety standards in the region have long faced scrutiny.
For now, the focus is on the human cost. Families waiting for news. Funerals to come. The game of diplomacy will take a backseat. For a while.
Eleanor Rigby, Political Bureau Chief.
