Five die in blast at chemical plant in Japan

Five people were killed and at least 17 others injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in central Japan today.

Investigators suspect a chemical reaction involving hydrogen caused the blast at metal and chemical company Mitsubishi Materials Corp’s Yokkaichi plant, about 220 miles west of Tokyo.

The blast appeared to have happened when workers were rinsing heat exchange equipment during maintenance at the silicone plant, according to a Mie prefectural police official.

Police said five workers died. Fire department officials said that 17 people were taken to hospitals.

The dead and injured were all believed to be workers at the factory.