Explosion at Pub in Northern Japan Injures Over 40 (VIDEO, PHOTO)

An explosion occurred in a pub in the Japanese city of Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido, resulting in at least 40 casualties, according to Japanese police.

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.

札幌のお母さんの実家から爆発したとこの動画送らさってきた pic.twitter.com/N6Agesn6gF

— まぐろねーさん (@maguro1_5) December 16, 2018

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.

札幌の爆発の現場の近くで飲んでいたのだが、凄い爆風だった…お客さんは大丈夫なのだろうか。マジ洒落にならん… pic.twitter.com/tlyWMypt27

— ノブ (@daikoukai2011) December 16, 2018

No other details regarding the causes of the incident or victims have been available so far. 

拾い画ですけど。

札幌市豊平区平岸付近で居酒屋が吹っ飛びました…。

ガスとかかなぁ…？(´・ω・`) pic.twitter.com/RnKm3qz2fX

— やす (@h_yasu1982) December 16, 2018