YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) The number of people injured in explosions at a chemical plant in Yokohama rose to 10 Friday, police and local fire department officials said.
The explosions occurred at around 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday at the Japan Carlit Co. plant in the city's Kanazawa Ward.
Eight people were reported injured Thursday but two more informed authorities Friday that they had sustained cuts to the head due to flying debris, the officials said, adding that none of the injuries was serious.
The blasts injured eight workers at the plant, an employee at a nearby factory and a motorist driving near the accident site, they said.
A fire triggered by the blasts damaged eight buildings at the plant, including one that was burned down. The fire was put out by 8:15 p.m.
Police have launched an investigation into the blasts and may possibly build a case of professional negligence in handling chemicals and equipment, they said.
The explosions occurred at a high-pressure furnace where hydrogen gas was being applied to organic compounds to make material used in liquid crystal televisions, Japan Carlit said.