Fire Officials Investigating Koriyama Blast


Fire officials investigating Koriyama blast

Fire department officials in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, say at least 11 people have been injured in an apparent explosion.

Police and fire personnel are investigating the site in Koriyama City, after being alerted by a passerby who heard a blast shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday.

They say the injured people are being taken to hospital. Two people are unable to walk.

Officials of the Fukushima-based Toho Bank say two members of its staff at a branch near the site and two customers who were using the ATM in the store have been injured.

They say the branch was damaged and staff and customers have been evacuated.

The bank officials say the explosion appears to have occurred at a nearby restaurant.