Two people killed in quake in Japan

TOKYO - At least two women were killed and more than 150 people injured in the powerful earthquake that struck central Japan on Monday, hospital officials said.
"Two women, both in their 80s, have been confirmed dead," said an official of Kashiwazaki Chuo Hospital. "They were brought here after getting injured in the quake."
At least 100 received treatment at Kariwa-gun Sogo Hospital after being hurt in the quake, while another 55 people were taken to other hospitals in the region, the officials said.
Television footage showed damage to a number of buildings across central Niigata prefecture, including Japanese-style wooden homes whose roofs collapsed with rubble strewn across the ground.
Footage also showed a bridge that suffered cracks and shops where groceries tumbled to the ground.

07/16/2007 04:46 GMT