The problem in Kobe was the design of the plant and newer plants wouldn't have the issue.  
I guess we'll see what happened here but it looks like a casualty of poor regulation of industrial activity.  Yesterday I was reading something about this installation and the volunteer fire department in charge of the area.  Did they locate in the area so that there wouldn't be a professional department overseeing their location?  I know the fire departments here have dry runs and contingency plans for industrial disasters.