In Japan, a 40-meter scaffolding collapsed at a JFE Steel site in Kawasaki near Tokyo, killing at least two people and leaving one missing during an industrial operation.

A major industrial accident occurred in Japan on Tuesday in the Tokyo area when a 40-meter scaffold collapsed at a steel plant in Kawasaki, killing at least two people and leaving one missing. According to The Straits Times and AFP, the tragedy took place at a JFE Steel plant located about 20 kilometers from the Japanese capital, in a port area where decommissioning work was underway.

According to NHK, "five people fell when the scaffolding collapsed" while crews were dismantling a crane. Initial reports indicated three workers were unconscious and in critical condition, another was injured but conscious, while a fifth remained missing. Local authorities later confirmed that two workers had died from their injuries.

Divers search for missing worker

Aerial images broadcast by NHK show a large, water-filled cavity within the port complex, where rescue operations are concentrated. Firefighters, rescue teams, and divers have been mobilized to try to locate the worker who is still missing. "Divers are continuing their search for the last worker," AFP reports.

Kanagawa Prefectural Police confirmed that the accident occurred at the Kawasaki industrial site, without providing further details on the cause of the collapse. The investigation will determine the exact circumstances of the incident, which occurred during the dismantling of port equipment.