Suspected human bone fragments were discovered inside a vessel at a steel plant in Japan, prompting an investigation following the reported disappearance of an employee at the Nippon Steel facility in Oita, western Japan.
Authorities have not confirmed if the fragments belong to the missing 30-year-old worker.
DNA tests have been initiated to identify the remains, as per police spokesperson Eijiro Kawano.
The employee began his shift at 19:00 local time on Monday but was not reported missing until the next morning.
Police conducted a search of the factory and located what appeared to be human remains within four hours.
“We spotted what appears to be fragments of human bone inside a vessel,” stated Mr. Kawano.
“We don’t know if these really are human bones or if they belong to the worker who went missing,” he added, suggesting the possibility that the worker might have fallen into the pot.
The investigation is focusing on whether any workers witnessed the incident.
The employee was overseeing a melting pot situated 5 meters above ground, containing molten metals heated to over 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Nippon Steel, a major steelmaker in Japan, is cooperating with investigators.
This incident occurs as the company pursues a $14 billion takeover of US Steel, which has drawn attention in light of US President Joe Biden’s opposition to such deals, advocating for domestic ownership and operation of US Steel.
Source-BBC
