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First fatality: A food stall is engulfed by flames after gasoline for a portable power generator ignited Thursday, triggering an explosion at a fireworks festival in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture. On Saturday, a woman died from severe burns sustained in Thursday night's blast. | KYODO

National

First death confirmed from explosion at Kyoto fireworks festival

JIJI

FUKUCHIYAMA, KYOTO PREF. – A 44-year-old woman died Saturday after being injured in an explosion at a fireworks festival last week in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, police said.

Hiromi Takeuchi was among the 60 victims rushed to hospitals after Thursday night’s blast, which is thought to have occurred after gasoline for a food stall electricity generator caught fire.

She is the first person to die because of the accident.

Among others being treated at hospitals, three remain in critical condition, including an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, according to the Kyoto Prefectural Police.

The explosion was triggered at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, just as the fireworks display was about to begin.

The police and witnesses believe that vaporized gasoline was emitted from a can and then ignited when the owner of the food stall tried to pour gasoline into the generator without first turning off the power.

The prefectural police plan to question the stall owner after he recovers from the wounds he sustained, possibly on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death and injury.

Jack

Very sad news to hear since summer festivals are an important part of this culture. So many hurt and so far one has died. The festival authorities should make sure all safety measures are in place. Stall operators should be taught the danger of using gasoline or any inflamables.

TOKYO (8 p.m.)

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