Last Thursday, dozens were injured and 33 killed when a suspected arson attack on an animation production company in Japan man reportedly doused the building with a flammable liquid and shouted, “drop dead.” or “die”
The fire gutted the three-storey building in the city of Kyoto that housed Kyoto Animation, behind famous anime television productions.
Of the 33, two were found on the ground floor, 11 on the second and 20 on the third also in the staircases that lead to the rooftop. Another 36 people were injured, including 10 in serious condition, an official told AFP, adding that all those inside the building during the blaze were now accounted for.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that a man had been detained in connection with the blaze and was later taken to hospital for treatment. He reportedly suffered serious injuries in the fire.
A motive for the apparent attack remained unclear hours after the blaze. If arson is confirmed, the attack will be among the deadliest criminal acts in decades in Japan, where violent crime is extremely rare.
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Asia Pacific Fire, Editor
