Japan explosion: More than 40 people injured in Sapporo restaurant blast
One person in critical condition after unexplained blast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 40 people have been injured in an explosion at a restaurant in the Japanese city of Sapporo.
Police said one person was in a critical condition following the blast in Hokkaido, the most northern of Japan’s main islands. Forty other people suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the explosion has not yet been established but Kyodo news agency reported that witnesses in the area could smell gas.
The blast happened in Sapporo’s Toyohira district at about 8.30pm local time (11.30am GMT) on Sunday. It caused the restaurant to collapse.
Footage posted on social media showed fire crews battling intense flames in a street strewn with debris.
“I heard a ‘bang,’ which sounded like thunder, and my condo was shaken,” a man who lives nearby told the Japan Times.
Firefighters cordoned off the area amid fears of further explosions.
According to NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, the explosion took place at a two-storey Izakaya restaurant – a type of informal Japanese pub.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments