TOKYO, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- One person died and at least nine others were hospitalized after a fire broke out aboard a vessel under construction Friday morning in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, local media reported.
According to public broadcaster NHK, an employee of a shipbuilding company in Shizuoka City called emergency services shortly before 9 a.m. local time, saying a fire had broken out while workers were carrying out operations aboard a moored vessel.
The vessel is about 70 meters long. One worker was confirmed dead at the scene, while at least nine others were taken to hospital after inhaling smoke or suffering other symptoms, the report said, citing police and fire authorities.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the cause of the fire. ■