Top > Releases ･ Announcements > Press Releases > 2014 > Worker dies after trench cave-in at Fukushima;TEPCO expresses deep regret and will investigate cause
FUKUSHIMA, Japan, March 28- A worker employed by a contractor at the Fukushima Daiichi site died today after being buried by the sudden cave-in of a trench in which he was working.
TEPCO President Naomi Hirose expressed his and the company's profound regret and extended his condolences to the worker's family. He also announced that the company will immediately begin an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Foundation Piles Being Repaired
The worker was one of a group of workers involved in the repair of foundation piles at a currently empty container storage facility. To access the piles, a 2-meter-deep trench had been dug on the north side of the building.
The cave-in took place at approximately 2:20 pm on March 28, temporarily burying him. He was rescued and taken immediately to the emergency facility on the site, from which he was transferred to Iwaki Kyoritsu General Hospital at 3:26 pm. Despite receiving immediate care at the hospital, he was unfortunately pronounced dead at 5:22 pm.
No radioactivity was detected on his body, and radiation played no role either in the accident or his death.
Investigation Launched
TEPCO has immediately launched an investigation into the matter and has, pending the outcome of that investigation, halted work at the whole power station other than steps necessary to stabilize it and ensure the area's safety. President Hirose has pledged a thorough inquiry into the cause of the accident, whether workers and supervisors were following appropriate safety procedures, and what steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence.
About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO) is Japan's largest power company, supplying energy to the greater Kanto area, including Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 35,000 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power to its 28.8 million customers, diversifying energy resources to ensure sustainability, and contributing to economic growth while fully meeting its responsibilities after the Fukushima Daiichi accident.
© Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.
