‘Arson’ at animation studio leaves 23 feared dead and dozens injured
AT LEAST 23 people were feared dead after a suspected arson attack at one of Japan’s top animation studios.
Witnesses said a man screaming, “You die!” burst into the Kyoto Animation building before spraying an unknown liquid and igniting the fire.
At least 10 people were found presumed dead on the top floor of the three-storey building, some of them collapsed on the stairs leading to the roof, Japanese authorities said.
Rescuers also found more bodies on lower floors, with at least one victim succumbing to severe burns. Another 36 people were injured, some critically, after the flames broke out at 10.30am local time. A Kyoto prefectural police spokesman said: “A man threw liquid and set fire to it.” The suspect, 41, was also injured and taken to hospital, officials said. Police are investigating him on suspicion of arson.
The studio in Japan’s former capital, known as KyoAni, was founded in 1981 and has produced several hit animation series and films, including Sound! Euphonium and K-On!
Survivors said the alleged attacker was not a colleague.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the fire was “too appalling for words” and offered his condolences to the victims.
An online fundraiser by Sentai Filmworks, which distributes many KyoAni productions around the world, has already raised more than £100,000.
Footage broadcast by NHK national television showed grey smoke billowing from the charred building. Other footage showed windows blown off.
One witness told TBS TV: “There was an explosion, then I heard people shouting, some asking for help. Black smoke was rising from windows on upper floors, then there was a man struggling to crawl out of the window.”
Local media reported that knives were also found at the scene.
Rescue officials set up an orange tent outside the studio building to provide first aid. There are thought to have been more than 70 people in the building when the fire broke out.
Fans of the studio expressed their shock and sadness. Popular anime YouTuber Akidearest tweeted: “I’m heartbroken … I don’t know what that sick person must have had against that studio to set it on fire, but my condolences to all the hardworking employees. I wish you all a safe recovery.”