JAPAN – Explosion at Miyoshi Pharmaceutical Plant Injures Five, Two in Critical Condition

Five people were hospitalized, including two in serious condition, following an explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, on the morning of the 28th.

According to the Bihoku District Fire Department, emergency services received a call at approximately 11:35 a.m. reporting that a tank had exploded at the Maruzen Pharmaceutical Miyoshi plant in Minamihatashiki-cho. All five injured individuals, identified as men, were transported to hospital by ambulance, though it is not known whether they were conscious at the time.

Authorities said the incident involved explosions in two ethanol storage tanks, which triggered a fire at the facility. The blaze was brought under control roughly three hours later.

Maruzen Pharmaceutical confirmed on its website that a fire had broken out in part of the tank area at the plant and stated that an external contractor had been injured. The company manufactures raw materials used in pharmaceuticals, food products, health supplements, and cosmetics.

A company representative said it is still investigating the situation and declined to provide further details, stating that the facts are currently being verified.

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