On April 7, scaffolding collapsed during work to dismantle a crane at JFE Steel's East Japan Works site in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

According to police and other sources, a male worker made an emergency call at about 4:30 p.m., reporting that scaffolding about 40 meters high has collapsed and several people have fallen.

Officials said workers were dismantling a crane that was used to move ship cargo, and five men ranging in age from their teens to their 40s fell.

The crane is believed to have been about 30 meters above ground.

A counterweight of approximately 500 tons at the tip of the crane fell, apparently triggering the scaffolding collapse.

Of the workers who fell, four were found on the ground. Three of them were transported to hospital unconscious and in critical condition, and their deaths were confirmed on the night of April 7.

One worker remains missing, with search efforts continuing amid the possibility he fell into the sea by the site.

Police said they are investigating the incident with a view toward pursuing charges of professional negligence resulting in death or injury.

JFE Steel expressed its condolences to those who lost their lives and extended its sympathies to those affected.