On March 27, 2025, at approximately 3:40 PM, a serious incident occurred at a demolition site in Kanda Ogawamachi 3, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, where eight workers reported symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. The emergency services received a call indicating that workers were feeling unwell at the site, which was actively undergoing asbestos removal at the time.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and the Tokyo Fire Department, the situation escalated quickly, leading to the hospitalization of 16 workers aged between their 20s and 40s. Among them, a 40-year-old male worker was transported to the hospital in a state of cardiac arrest but has since regained consciousness. Initial reports indicated that he was one of the more severely affected individuals, as he was discovered unconscious at the site.
At the time of the incident, approximately 20 workers were engaged in the demolition and asbestos removal on the fourth floor of the five-story building. Reports noted that two generators were operating on the third floor, which raised concerns about the potential for high concentrations of carbon monoxide due to inadequate ventilation in the area.
Witnesses described alarming scenes as workers exited the building, some staggering and others sitting on the ground, covering their mouths with towels. One nearby worker in her 20s recounted, "I saw people coming out of the building in work clothes, looking unwell. It smelled like chemical products. I felt more curious than scared, wondering what had happened." This sentiment highlights the confusion and concern that swept through the area as the emergency unfolded.
The site is located about 400 meters east of Tokyo Metro Shin-Ochanomizu Station, in a commercial district where several buildings are clustered together. The police and fire department are currently investigating the precise circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the connection between the use of generators and the carbon monoxide buildup.
As the emergency response unfolded, the situation was further complicated by the number of individuals affected. In total, reports indicate that 16 workers were taken to hospitals across the region, with varying degrees of symptoms. While all are expected to survive, the incident raises significant safety concerns regarding the management of hazardous materials like asbestos and the use of equipment that emits harmful gases.
Authorities have not only expressed concern for the health of the workers but also for the safety protocols in place at the demolition site. The use of generators without proper ventilation is a critical point of investigation, as it may have directly contributed to the dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that workers inhaled.
In the aftermath of the incident, there are calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in construction and demolition sites, especially those involving hazardous materials. Experts in occupational health and safety have underscored the importance of ensuring that workers are adequately protected from exposure to toxic substances and gases.
As the investigation continues, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police are expected to release further findings regarding the safety practices at the site and any potential violations that may have occurred. The incident has sparked discussions not only about immediate health concerns but also about long-term safety measures that need to be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In light of this event, the broader implications for worker safety in Japan's construction industry are being scrutinized. With the increasing focus on safety standards, there is hope that incidents like this will lead to reforms that prioritize the health and safety of workers across all sectors.
The events of March 27 serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by construction workers, particularly in environments where hazardous materials are present. As investigations proceed and more information becomes available, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution and improved safety measures to protect all workers.
