Sep 9 2003
A massive fire broke out at the Bridgestone tyre factory about located 110km north of Tokyo. Hundreds of fire fighters are battling the blaze, using trucks, cranes and helicopters.
Over 5000 nearby residents were evacuated form their homes as thick black clouds billowed from the burning factory. There is also concern over the possibility of noxious gases being generated by the fire, with many people complaining of throat and eye irritations from the smoke.
The 850 employees were all evacuated safely and no injuries have been reported.
Fire fighters are still struggling to bring the fire under control after 8 hours. It is thought that most of the 40,000 square metre factory on the north eastern edge of the site has been destroyed, although the extent of the damage is difficult at this stage with the fire still raging. Similarly, the cause of the fire and when production could restart are still unclear.
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