Dozens injured after explosion rocks restaurant in Japan
At least 42 people have been injured after a huge explosion rocked a bar-restaurant in the Japanese city of Sapporo.
The cause is still unconfirmed but authorities do not believe there is a terror-related link.
A gas leak is the most likely cause, according to local media reports.
Only one person is thought to be seriously injured.
According to TV footage the two-storey restaurant in Sapporo’s Toyohira district, was completely destroyed.
The building caught fire with thick smoke billowing and debris and broken glass scattered across a wide area.
A witness told broadcaster NHK there was a strong odour of gas directly after the explosion.
"The ceiling fell, then the entire second floor collapsed and we were all stuck. We managed to escape after everyone kicked through the wall," one customer said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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