As preparations for the 2025 Osaka Expo proceed, Moriguchi City Council member and former firefighter Kenta Teramoto revealed that hazardous levels of methane gas were detected during an Expo test run. Below is the full testimony detailing the situation and problems as experienced firsthand by Councilor Teramoto.
Participation in Test Run and Preparation
Councilor Teramoto personally leased and brought a gas detector when he decided to participate in the Expo test run as a Moriguchi city council member.
“The test run was conducted in a manner very similar to regular Expo operations. Personally, I conducted an inspection with a gas detector. I anticipated risks near the toilet building, the site of an explosion incident back in March.”
Methane Gas Detected Exceeded Explosion Lower Limit
During inspections at the site, Teramoto’s gas detector recorded methane concentrations exceeding the 100% Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), specifically measuring at 5% volume.
“This concentration is easily ignitable with matches or lighters. Frankly, I have serious doubts about continuing Expo preparations under these conditions.”
Doubts on Initial Fire Department Response
Teramoto dialed 119 around 4 PM, but the fire department initially responded as a routine dispatch, not as an emergency.
“When I was an active firefighter, our standard practice for methane leaks involved immediate dispatch of ambulances and fire trucks for emergency response. However, in this incident, they only began to measure the gas concentrations after arriving on-site, delaying an appropriate emergency response.”
Councilor Teramoto highlighted the severe risks posed by delays in emergency response.
Lack of Crisis Awareness Among Expo Staff
Teramoto initially detected methane gas around 3 PM and immediately reported it to site staff, but their response was indifferent. Reporting to the disaster prevention center yielded similarly ineffective reactions.
“The staff’s reaction was along the lines of, ‘Methane gas? Really?’ Clearly, they did not grasp the severity of the situation. Due to their inaction, I personally made the 119 emergency call.”
Issues in Fire Hazard Management
Teramoto also pointed out severe deficiencies in fire hazard management within and around the venue.
“For instance, visitors were openly using lighters at a smoking area near the East Gate, and despite regulations designating the Expo as a smoke-free zone, workers were routinely smoking. The regulations ambiguously stated ‘large quantities of lighters are prohibited,’ allowing people to practically bring them freely.”
Moreover, propane gas cooking was conditionally allowed, potentially increasing fire usage. Teramoto stressed the fundamental issues with fire hazard management by the Expo organizers.
Councilor Teramoto’s Conclusions and Call for Action
Based on these realities, Councilor Teramoto expressed severe mistrust toward the Osaka Expo’s safety measures.
“It’s clear that the safety measures by Expo organizers can’t be trusted. Under current conditions, choosing not to attend might be the safest option.”
Councilor Teramoto’s testimony highlights significant and alarming issues concerning methane gas detection and fire hazard management, exposing critical shortcomings in the safety measures at the Osaka Expo preparation stages. Prompt improvements and specific countermeasures by the organizers are urgently needed.
This article aims to raise awareness and ensure public safety.
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