Two blasts hit Japanese chemical plant (VIDEO)

23 Apr, 2012 01:01 / Updated 12 years ago

A dramatic video shows the moment a massive explosion struck a chemical plant in south-west Japan. At least one person was killed and some 17 injured as two blasts hit the facility on Sunday.

The blasts happened at Mitsui Chemicals in Yamaguchi prefecture after workers tried to shut down part of the plant following a problem in a different sector. The first explosion occurred at 2am local time killing a 22-year old worker and injuring 11 others. The second blast took place few hours later but did not hurt anyone. The flames were brought under control about 15 hours after the second explosion. Hundreds of nearby homes were damaged and at least six people injured by glass fragments, NHK reports. Officials say there has been no toxic leak.