According to the Kyodo news agency, the injured toll as a result of the explosion in the Japanese city of Sapporo has climbed to 40 people. Those wounded are currently all conscious. Earlier, the agency reported 20 people were injured in the explosion.
The incident occurred at about 21.30 local time (12.30 GMT). As can be seen in footage broadcast by NHK from the scene, the building was almost completely burnt out, and collapsed as a result of the blast.
The area around the site of the explosion has been cordoned off.
平岸三条八丁目でガス爆発による火災。火の勢い物凄く、消防車や救急車多数。 pic.twitter.com/OIRN0FiTmF
— しょうた (@shotacamera) December 16, 2018
According to an eyewitness, the blast had broken the windows of the restaurant where he was working.
No other details regarding the causes of the incident or victims have been available so far.