Five dead after hydrogen blast rocks chemical plant in Japan
Explosion at Mitsubishi Materials complex reportedly caused by maintenance crew working on heat exchanger
AT LEAST five people have been killed and 17 injured by an explosion at a chemical plant in Japan's Yokkaichi City, Sky News reports.
The blast, at the Mitsubishi Materials complex, was reportedly caused when hydrogen was inadvertently ignited by a maintenance crew. The crew was working on a heat exchanger, used in the production of silicon products, at the time of the accident.
A Mitsubishi Materials spokeswoman said: "We confirmed that there was an explosion at our plant in Yokkaichi, where we produce silicon materials."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Police say the blast did not cause a fire to break out in the building and the situation is now under control.
Mitsubishi Materials makes automotive, electronics and construction products, the BBC says. Its Yokkaichi plant – located about 350km west of Tokyo - specialises in producing silicon.
RT points out that the accident isn't the first deadly blast at a Japanese chemical plant in recent times. Twin explosions struck a chemical plant in south-west Japan in April 2012, killing one person and injuring another two.
The massive blast, which was caught on video, damaged hundreds of homes nearby.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks
Speed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Khan supporters converge on Islamabad
Speed Read Protesters clashing with Pakistani authorities are demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published