A Tokyo building located in the bustling Shimbashi commercial district experienced a horrific explosion early Monday morning, resulting in four reported injuries, as per NHK, Japan’s state media.

This unexpected event in the heart of Tokyo’s business and entertainment district caused extensive damage, scattering debris across streets, breaking windows, and emitting thick smoke into the air.

According to local media reports, the explosion originated in a building situated in a high-traffic restaurant area around 3:20 a.m. local time (0620 UTC). Emergency calls quickly led to police rushing to the site, where the aftermath of the blast was readily apparent.

Eyewitness accounts given to NHK describe the deafening sound of the explosion as something massive falling from the top of the building. Observers also noted an unusual scattering of paper pieces at a nearby intersection, which made them immediately identify the incident as an explosion. Witnesses reported smelling gas before hearing the explosive sound, further fueling the suspicions of an explosion.

The disaster prompted immediate action from the fire department, as stated by a spokesperson, with a total of 32 fire trucks dispatched to the scene. The spokesperson provided an initial casualty report, revealing that of the four injured people, three were conscious, but no information was available about the fourth person at the time.

As of now, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with more details expected to follow soon.

  Japan, Shimbashi, Tokyo