Nine Dead After Nippon Paper Smokestack Collapses in Japan Earthquake

A devastating earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, led to the collapse of a smokestack at Nippon Paper's Yatsushiro factory, killing nine people. The incident occurred on July 28, with the smokestack reportedly breaking apart almost simultaneously with the earthquake's onset.

Among the victims were six employees of Nippon Paper who were working on the second floor of a building affected by the falling structure. The remaining three deceased were staff members from a partner company, though details of their specific circumstances remain unclear. Nippon Paper President Akira Sebe held a press conference to apologize for the tragic loss of life, expressing deep remorse and offering profound apologies to all affected parties.

"We feel extremely heavy about the regrettable outcome that precious lives were lost, and we offer our deepest apologies to all involved," Sebe stated. The company is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and its impact on business operations. Sebe assured that the company would promptly report on the determined extent of the damage once the assessment is complete.

The earthquake struck Japan on the afternoon of July 28. The collapse of the smokestack has raised questions about industrial safety protocols in earthquake-prone regions. Investigations into the exact cause of the collapse are expected, alongside the company's internal review and damage assessment.

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We feel extremely heavy about the regrettable outcome that precious lives were lost, and we offer our deepest apologies to all involved.