Tokyo, Japan — Ten individuals sustained minor injuries on Tuesday following an explosion at a construction site that led to a fire involving a maintenance vehicle, authorities reported. Police are investigating the incident and suspect that a gas leak, possibly caused by damage to a pipe during foundation work, may have triggered the blast.
The injured range in age from their 20s to 70s and include both construction workers and nearby residents. Several victims reported experiencing throat discomfort, likely from smoke inhalation, as the fire sent black smoke billowing into the air.
Emergency services received calls about the explosion at approximately 9:35 a.m., prompting a swift response from firefighters who worked to control the flames. Eyewitness accounts describe a sound reminiscent of thunder, followed by the sight of dark smoke rising from the construction site.
The explosion not only affected those on-site but also caused damage to nearby properties, including broken windows and malfunctioning shutters, leaving residents and business owners assessing the aftermath. A local resident in her 50s expressed concern and shock over the incident, highlighting the unexpected nature of such events in their community.
Officials are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as they conduct their investigation. The construction project has been temporarily halted while safety measures are reviewed and the area secured.
Authorities reiterated the importance of safety protocols in construction zones, especially when dealing with gas lines and other potential hazards. As residents recover from the shock of the explosion, they are also grappling with the implications of such risks in their daily lives.
As investigations continue, the city remains focused on ensuring that future projects adhere to stringent safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.