An explosion occurred at 1:53 p.m. on January 14,
2005 at the nitrocellulose production facility in
the Tohmi Plant of Asahi Kasei Chemicals in Nobeoka,
Miyazaki Prefecture. The facility had been idle
since September 2003, and was being dismantled when
the explosion occurred.
Six
employees were taken to the hospital, one with
a wrist fracture and five with impaired hearing.
Of the six, two are employees of Asahi Kasei Chemicals
and the other four are employees of affiliated
companies which were involved in dismantling the
facility.
The cause of the explosion is
being investigated by the Police and Fire Departments.
We are concentrating efforts on facilitating this
investigation, and are committed to instituting
measures which will ensure against any recurrence.
No other facilities were affected,
and there will be no effect on the supply of any
products.
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