01 Mar 2022 | 07:28 AM UTC
Japan: Factory explosion in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, March 1
Authorities responding to factory explosion in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, March 1. Transport disruptions likely. Avoid the area.
Event
An explosion and fire occurred at Asahi Kasei Group's "Kayak Japan" Tokai factory in Mizushirimachi, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture, at around 14:00 March 1. The factory reportedly manufactures explosive materials used in the construction and defense industries. Authorities have confirmed at least one injury while another person is missing. The blast also caused minor infrastructural damage to several residential homes in the vicinity of the factory. Emergency crews are responding to the fire and investigating the incident. The cause of the blast remains unclear.
Increased security measures, including roadblocks, are highly likely near the facility in the coming hours. Localized transport and business disruptions will continue in the vicinity until firefighters extinguish the fire and authorities complete investigations.
This incident site is around 96 km (60 miles) east-southeast of Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Advice
Avoid the area due to ongoing response operations and increased security measures. Heed the advice of authorities. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
