Gas explosion injures 10 at Tokyo construction site

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 Higashikasai area, and was followed by 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, scattering glass 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.