Gas explosion injures 10 at Tokyo construction site, prompts evacuation
A gas explosion at a construction site in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward injured 10 people on Tuesday morning, prompting a large-scale emergency response and temporary evacuations.
The blast occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the Higashi-Kasai area, following reports of a loud explosion and smoke. A construction vehicle at the scene caught fire, sending black smoke into the air.
The blaze was brought under control about 90 minutes later, with more than 30 fire trucks, including pumpers, deployed for the operation, according to an NHK report.
Ten people, including construction workers and nearby residents in their 20s to 70s, sustained non life-threatening injuries, according to the Tokyo Fire Department.
Police said workers had been driving piles into the ground for a new condominium when they likely struck an underground gas pipe, triggering the explosion.
The blast is believed to have shattered windows and signs on nearby buildings and convenience stores, sending glass scattered across the street.
A 44-year-old manager of a nearby supermarket said he heard the explosion shortly after arriving at work. 'I heard three or four bangs, and the ground shook. When I looked outside, a car was in flames. I was solely focused on guiding people to safety. I was thinking I had to protect my employees and customers,' he said.
Firefighters at the site of an explosion in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward on Tuesday. |
Jiji
A man in his 60s who lives nearby told reporters, 'I was at home when I heard a tremendous bang. I thought a truck had crashed. The whole place shook.'
Tokyo police urged residents in the surrounding area to evacuate as a precaution while investigators worked to assess the extent of the damage and determine the exact cause of the incident.
The site is located near Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, in a densely populated residential district lined with apartment buildings.
Translated by The Japan Times
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