Gas explosion leaves one unconscious, breaks school windows in Akita

A gas explosion at the construction site for a senior citizens' home in Odate, Akita Prefecture, has left one man unconscious and in a critical condition. Police said the shock wave from the explosion was so powerful that windows at a nearby elementary school were shattered.

TV Asahi reported that the explosion occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Four construction workers were injured, including a 46-year-old man who was knocked unconscious.

According to a statement from the construction company, it is suspected that a canister leaking acetylene gas caused the explosion.

Following the blast, students at a nearby elementary school were sent home for the day after the windows were shattered. No one at the school was injured.

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