An explosion occurred at Japan-based steelmaker Nippon Steel’s Muroran plant in Hokkaido on Monday, December 1, according to local media reports. The resulting fire which started at the blast furnace was brought under control after a few hours.
The local fire department reported that there were no injuries and that the blaze did not spread beyond the plant.
Nippon Steel has suspended operations of the blast furnace at the site and is investigating the impact of the fire on its operations.