Qatar gas explosion kills 12 - TVNZ

Published: 10:53AM Friday February 28, 2014 Source: AP / ONE News

Fire crews work at the site of an explosion in Doha, Qatar - Source: AP

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An apparent gas explosion at a restaurant near a filling station in Qatar has killed 12 people and wounded several more, emergency services officials say.

Initial indications suggested a burst natural gas tank atop a Turkish restaurant was to blame for the blast, which happened shortly after 10am local time near the popular Landmark Mall shopping centre in the capital, Doha.

The force of the explosion caused the partial collapse of the Istanbul Restaurant and sent shrapnel flying as far as 50 metres away, authorities said. Officials are treating the explosion as an accident, though it is unclear what ignited the tank.

The 12 people reported killed were all Asian or Arab, said Maj. Gen. Saad al-Khulaifi, who heads the country's police force. He did not give further details on their identities or nationalities.

He said 31 others were wounded, some seriously. He vowed authorities would conduct a full and transparent investigation.

The civil defence director of operations, Hamid al-Duhaimi, said four people were found dead at the scene and the others died on their way to the hospital.

Kiwi triplets Lillie, Jackson and Willsher Weekes were among 19 killed in a fire in the nearby Villaggio Mall in Doha in May 2012.

Their parents Jane and Martin Weekes say they are devastated to hear another tragedy has happened in Qatar.

"Hearing of the tragedy has brought some many awful memories of the day we lost our children.

"Our thoughts are entirely with the families and friends of the victims. We share your grief."

The pair says they hope the Qatari government will complete a full and transparent review enquiry into this latest disaster.

"Unfortunately the families of the Villaggio disaster are still waiting for a full report despite assurances from the Qatar Government."

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