Japan: 4 Injured In Chemical Plant Blast

At least four people were injured when a blast went off at a chemical plant in Japan on Tuesday.

The incident took place early in the morning in the northeastern Fukushima province, Kyodo News reported.

Authorities said the blast occurred in the Iwaki area at Sakai Chemical Industry Co.'s Yumoto Factory, which produces materials including zinc oxide and zinc powder, though "no toxic gases have been detected."

Local authorities said 18 employees were in the factory when the incident happened, with three suffering burns and another sustaining a minor injury. One is said to be critically hurt.

The Yumoto Factory manufactures cosmetics and paint. -