Two people lost their lives in Muscat on Saturday following a powerful gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse in the Bousher district, according to the Sultanate’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA).
Preliminary investigations indicate the blast was caused by a cooking gas leak in one of the restaurants located within the building, which houses both residential and commercial units.
The explosion led to widespread destruction, scattering debris and furniture across the surrounding area and sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood.
Emergency response teams from the CDAA rushed to the site to conduct rescue and recovery operations. Despite their swift intervention, two individuals—both of Asian nationality—were found dead at the scene.
The CDAA did not immediately disclose further details about the victims pending formal identification and notification of their families.
A video shared by the Civil Defence Authority showed extensive structural damage, with parts of the building visibly reduced to rubble. Fragments of walls, shattered windows, and twisted metal were seen strewn across the road, underlining the strength of the blast.
The footage also captured emergency responders navigating the wreckage as they searched for victims and assessed the danger of further collapses.
Authorities have since cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Forensic teams and fire safety specialists are expected to examine whether the gas leak was due to faulty equipment, negligence, or other factors.
“The building was used for both residential and commercial purposes, and the explosion originated from a restaurant inside the premises,” the CDAA stated on social media. “Our teams acted swiftly, but unfortunately, two people lost their lives in the incident.”
Gas-related incidents have previously occurred in Oman, raising concerns over safety standards in commercial kitchens and residential units.
In 2023, a similar explosion in the southern Mabela region of Al Seeb injured 18 people. That explosion, too, was linked to a cooking gas leak in a restaurant housed within a multi-use building.
The latest tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter regulation and routine inspection of gas installations, particularly in mixed-use properties.
Residents in the Bousher area expressed shock and concern over the explosion, with some saying they had smelled gas in the vicinity earlier in the day.
“I was walking nearby when I heard a loud boom,” said Ahmed Al Riyami, a local shop owner. “Windows shook and people came running out of nearby buildings. We didn’t know what had happened until we saw smoke and rubble.”
Authorities have urged building owners and restaurant operators to ensure all gas systems are regularly maintained and meet safety standards. They also reminded the public to report any signs of gas leaks immediately.
The CDAA confirmed that operations at the site will continue until all safety checks are completed and the full extent of structural damage is assessed.
Meanwhile, Muscat residents are being advised to avoid the area as investigations and clean-up efforts are ongoing.