No Injuries in Honda Plant Explosion

Japan - Staffers at a Honda Motor Company research and development center in Haga, Japan were fortunate to escape unscathed after a gas explosion occurred there yesterday.

According to initial investigations, there was an unexpected chemical reaction at a processing facility at the center. Employees reported sensing a strange odor and seeing windowpanes turn a yellowish color before the explosion.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene and officials suspect the incident was the result of a mixed gas including nitrogen dioxide. The center is permitted to use both nitrogen and natural gas for research purposes.