The China Syndrome in Japan? Japan fears nuclear plant meltdown

Blast reported at nuclear plant amid worries that quake-hit reactor can no longer cool radioactive substances.

Al-Jazeera

"Radiation has leaked from an Japanese nuclear reactor and authorities say there is a possibility of a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant about 250km north of Tokyo.

The cooling system of the plant was damaged in the massive earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and triggered a tsunami, killing hundreds of people.

An explosion at the nuclear facility tore down the walls of one building on Saturday as smoke poured out. It was not clear if the damaged building housed the No. 1 reactor which officials fear could melt down.

"We are now trying to analyse what is behind the explosion," Yukio Edano, a government spokesman, said. "We ask everyone to take action to secure safety."

Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), the operator of the plant, said four workers were injured....."