Explosion hits Honda factory

Two men were seriously injured following an explosion at a Honda factory in central Japan.

Police say the blast near an electrical power distribution board at the plant in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, occurred at about 9.15am on June 14. 

The two men – both in their 20s – were checking the switchboard and suffered serious burns to the upper body and face.

A colleague discovered the pair collapsed on the floor and they were taken to hospital, reports the Japan Times.

A Honda spokesman says the carmaker is investigating the incident.

The Suzuka factory was established in 1960 as Honda’s third domestic plant and has manufactured models including the Fit car, according to the company’s website.

Manufacturing suspensions

Honda is also among Japanese carmakers suspending the operation of some of its plants because of the Covid-19 pandemic, reports the NHK TV channel.

Honda is stalling work at its two plants in Saitama Prefecture for four days in June and one day in July, while its factory in Mie Prefecture will close for three days in July.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has announced the suspension of its site in Gifu Prefecture until June 30 and its Aichi plant from June 23 to 30.

The move by the carmakers is in response to falling car sales globally.