Qatar’s Interior Ministry says search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate close to two dozen people still missing after a major explosion struck the country’s main energy infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over regional energy stability.

The blast occurred on Sunday night at the Barzan gas supply facility in the Ras Laffan industrial area, a critical hub for Qatar’s natural gas exports. According to state-run QatarEnergy, the incident happened as workers were attempting to resume operations at the site following earlier disruptions linked to the wider regional conflict.

Authorities said at least 54 people were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire, while 18 others remain unaccounted for. Initial reports had suggested only minor injuries, but casualty figures were revised upward as emergency teams assessed the extent of the damage.

The Interior Ministry said rescue operations are ongoing and all available resources have been deployed to locate those missing. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, though QatarEnergy described it as occurring during operational restart procedures at the facility.

The Barzan plant plays a significant role in Qatar’s domestic energy supply, with a production capacity of nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. The output is primarily used to support electricity generation and desalination plants, which are essential for water supply across the arid Gulf state. QatarEnergy holds the majority stake in the project, with ExxonMobil also owning a minority share.

The explosion comes at a sensitive moment for Qatar’s energy sector. The country, one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, had recently paused parts of its production due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. Shipping disruptions had limited exports, prompting gradual efforts to restart operations as tensions showed signs of easing.

Qatar has already experienced direct damage to its energy infrastructure during the regional conflict. In March, an Iranian missile reportedly struck facilities in Ras Laffan, causing significant damage and forcing partial shutdowns. While production had been halted at affected sites, the latest incident raises further concerns over the safety of restarting operations in a volatile environment.

Qatar shares the North Field gas reservoir with Iran, making energy infrastructure in the region strategically significant for both countries. The wealth generated from its gas exports has allowed Qatar to expand its global influence, invest heavily abroad, and position itself as a diplomatic mediator in international conflicts.

As investigations continue, the explosion is expected to heighten scrutiny over energy security in the Gulf, particularly at a time when global gas markets remain sensitive to supply disruptions.

President Donald Trump has unveiled a newly refurbished Air Force One aircraft, a converted Boeing 747 originally owned by Qatar, which will temporarily serve as the official presidential plane until Boeing delivers its next-generation fleet in 2028.

The aircraft was presented at Joint Base Andrews, where Trump appeared before several hundred Air Force personnel after stepping off the newly redesigned jet. The plane features a revised exterior design, replacing the traditional pale blue colour scheme with a more prominent look: a navy blue underside, a bold red stripe along the fuselage, and a large American flag on the tail section. The presidential seal has been placed near the forward boarding door used by the president.

Trump described the aircraft as a “flying White House,” highlighting its upgraded interior and presentation. Music played during the unveiling ceremony as he praised the aircraft’s design and appearance, saying it reflected his personal preferences while also projecting national pride.

He confirmed that the aircraft would be used for upcoming international travel, including a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and indicated future visits to Asia-Pacific meetings, including a possible trip to China. He also noted that the aircraft would take part in July 4 celebrations with a ceremonial flyover.

The jet, provided as a transitional aircraft, was previously part of Qatar’s fleet and was accepted by the US government as a temporary solution due to delays in Boeing’s presidential aircraft programme. The new Boeing VC-25B fleet, originally expected earlier, is now scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The arrangement has drawn attention due to the unusual nature of accepting a high-value aircraft from a foreign government. The administration has said the aircraft was modified extensively to meet Air Force One security requirements, including reinforced systems and protected communications. Officials have stated that the upgrades were carried out under strict engineering and security protocols.

Trump defended the decision, arguing that delays in Boeing’s programme required an interim solution and that the United States needed a presidential aircraft capable of representing the country on the global stage.

Air Force officials have confirmed that the aircraft retains much of its original interior structure but has been adapted for presidential use. Existing VC-25A aircraft will remain in service alongside the new jet until the Boeing VC-25Bs enter operational deployment, with mission assignments determined by security and logistical needs.

The redesigned aircraft marks a continuation of Trump’s earlier efforts to reshape the appearance and branding of the presidential fleet, reversing previous design decisions made under the Biden administration and reinstating his preferred colour scheme across government aircraft.