Two dead after 40-metre scaffold collapses in Japan
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An aerial view of the site of collapsed scaffolding at JFE Steel construction site in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo on April 7.
PHOTO: REUTERS
TOKYO – A 12-storey scaffold collapsed in Japan on April 7, killing two workers and leaving one missing, local media reported.
The spectacular accident at a steelworks near Tokyo saw the 40m structure give way during the dismantling of a crane, broadcaster NHK reported.
Aerial footage from NHK showed a large, water-filled hole at the portside complex in Kawasaki, with fire engines and rescue crews at the scene and divers conducting searches.
Five people fell when the scaffold collapsed, according to NHK, citing police and fire officials.
Of them, three were left unconscious in critical condition, while one was conscious and another remained missing, initial reports said.
Local media later reported that two of the workers had died.
Kanagawa Prefecture Police told AFP the accident happened at a steelworks of JFE Steel in Kawasaki City, about 20km from Tokyo, without giving further details.
The site is located in a part of the Kawasaki waterfront where work was underway to dismantle cranes used for unloading cargo from ships, according to NHK.
JFE Steel is Japan’s number two steelmaker after Nippon Steel. AFP
