According to a report from Kyodo News on the 11th, at around 7:45 in the morning, an explosion and a pungent smell came from the Yumoto factory of Sakai Chemical Industry in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. According to the report, four male workers in the factory were injured. One of them was in his 60s with burns all over the body. Another three men suffered minor injuries to the back and face. All four were conscious.
According to the statement issued by Sakai Chemical Industry, the explosion occurred in the anti-rust paint production workshop. The zinc powder grading fan exploded after abnormal noise. Four workers were injured in the accident. The specific cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
According to its official website, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. was established in June 1918. Its main products are titanium dioxide, barium/strontium products, zinc products, resin additives, catalyst products, electronic materials and cosmetic materials.
The factory where the explosion occurred, which mainly manufactures zinc powder used in cosmetics and other products, is only 70 kilometers away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Notice on the explosion of the Yumoto factory (first report)
After 7:40 am on May 11th (Tuesday), an explosion occurred at our Yumoto factory (Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture).
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to those injured in the accident, as well as local residents and relevant authorities.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused to many people, including our customers. The progress of the accident investigation is as follows.
1. Place of occurrence
1-1 Sawauchi, Takaoka Town, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture
Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Yumoto Plant Zinc Powder Manufacturing Plant
2. Date and time of occurrence
After 7:40 on May 11, the zinc powder made strange noises when rotating the grading fan in the factory, and then exploded.
At 12:30, the fire was almost extinguished.
Zinc powder is a product mainly used for anti-rust coatings.
3. Personal injury
4 employees of the partnership company were burned (all are conscious)
4. Equipment damage
Damaged side panels and roof of the building
5. Other
Will not produce toxic gas.
The production of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, barium products, and electronic materials for cosmetics outside the factory will not affect other materials, such as costs. We are investigating the impact on business results.
The cause and process of the explosion, as well as the damage and supply status, are currently under investigation by the fire department and police.
Source: Mobile Public Account
