An explosion at the Maruyama Painting Industry factory in Kadoma City, Osaka, on the afternoon of the 28th has left three workers injured, prompting investigations by local authorities. The incident occurred around 4 PM when pedestrians reported hearing loud explosion noises.
According to the Kadoma City Fire Department, the explosion was significant enough to require immediate emergency response, with 17 firefighting vehicles dispatched to the scene. These teams worked diligently to control the situation, finally extinguishing the fire by around 6:30 PM.
The injuries sustained by the three workers, which reportedly included severe burns, led to their transportation to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. "All three individuals were severely injured," stated the fire department, highlighting the serious nature of the incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos as smoke billowed from the factory. Aerial footage captured by NHK showed damage to the roof of the facility, confirming the reports of substantial destruction resulting from the blast.
Maruyama Painting Industry, which operates four factories on the site, is known for handling the exterior painting of electrical and scientific machinery. The factory is located near the Kadoma Interchange on the Kinki Expressway and is surrounded by notable businesses like the Mitsui Outlet Park and Costco.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear as police and fire officials continue their investigation. They are expected to collect evidence and testimonies from employees and witnesses to determine what initiated the blast.
Local authorities have urged residents nearby to remain cautious and report any unusual activity around construction sites or factories to prevent future incidents. The Kadoma City Fire Department emphasized the importance of swift reporting by the public, which enabled them to respond quickly and manage the situation effectively.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with industrial work and the importance of safety protocols. Workers and local community members are left shaken as they process the impact of the explosion, hoping for swift recoveries for the injured employees.
Further updates from the Kadoma City Fire Department and the police are anticipated as investigations continue, shedding light on the specifics of what led to this alarming explosion.