Japan gas leak kills 1, injures 17
Tokyo: A sudden explosion from a suspected gas leak blew out walls and windows in part of a northern Japanese town Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring 17 others. There was no sign of a fire and investigators at the suspect a gas leak may have cause the blast, Koriyama fire department official Hiroki Ogawa said. Local media say a gas leak and explosion occurred at a restaurant.
So far, one person was confirmed dead and 17 others have been taken to hospitals. Two of them were seriously injured, Ogawa said. (AP)
Ex-Taiwan prez dies at 97
Taipei (Taiwan): Local media are reporting that ex-Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, who oversaw the island’s transition to full democracy, died on Thursday evening. Lee was 97 and had largely dropped out of public life in his later years.
As a member of the then-governing Nationalist Party, Lee was made Taiwan’s leader following the death of Chiang Ching-kuo and in 1996 won Taiwan’s first direct presidential election.
He was also the frequent target of verbal attacks from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. (ap)
4 held under new HK security law
Hong Kong: Hong Kong police have signalled their intent to enforce a new Chinese national security law strictly, arresting four youths on Wednesday on suspicion of inciting secession through social media posts. Three males and one female, aged 16 to 21, were detained, a police official said at an 11 pm news conference. All are believed to be students.
“Our investigation showed that a group has recently announced on social media that they have set up an organization for Hong Kong independence,” said Li Kwai-wah, senior superintendent of a newly formed unit to enforce the security law. (AP)
UK offers visa extensions
London: The UK government on Thursday issued fresh guidance offering a one-month grace period for all expiring or expired visas of foreign nationals, including Indians, unable to return to their home countries due to the pandemic, until August 31.
The extension, initially announced until May 31 and then extended to July 31, has been extended by another month and will apply to anyone whose leave to remain in the UK expired after January 24 and they are still unable to leave the country because of travel restrictions or self-isolation. (PTI)
