More than 40 people have been injured in an explosion at a restaurant in northern Japan, police have confirmed.
The blast occurred in the city of Sapporo. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown.
One person is in critical condition, according to fire department officials cited by The Japan Times.
地下鉄平岸駅の交差点付近の居酒屋が爆発したみたい。店が潰れてた。今は炎が上がってて、さらに爆発の恐れありで近づかないようにと。 pic.twitter.com/6AO2TjUIDU
— 寿 (@kot0buk1) December 16, 2018
Several people were rushed to hospital by ambulance following the blast.
The building erupted in flames and its walls collapsed following the blast. Roofs and windows from nearby buildings were shattered due to the impact of the explosion, The Mainichi reported.
The area where the explosion occurred is located about 50 meters from a metro station. It is home to many popular eateries, bars, and shops.
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