Nuclear crisis fears batter stocks in Japan

Japan’s Nikkei stock index dived more than 12 percent Tuesday, plunging precipitously as fears of a nuclear crisis escalate. Other Asian markets also tumbled.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average shed 1,201.2 points, or 12.5 percent, to 8,422.21 in afternoon trading Tuesday, extending losses from the previous day.

The Nikkei had tumbled more than 6 percent Monday on the first trading day since the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the northeastern coast Friday, washing away towns and killing thousands of people.

Several nuclear power plants were damaged by the earthquake.