24 Dead in Osaka Building Fire in Japan... Arson Suspected (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] NHK and other broadcasters reported that 24 people have been confirmed dead due to a building fire that occurred on the 17th in Kita-ku, Osaka City, Japan.

According to reports, among the 28 injured from the fire, 27 were rescued in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. They were transported to nearby hospitals, and 24 of the injured were confirmed dead. Among them, 14 were men and 10 were women, and NHK reported that the deceased appeared to be in their 20s to 60s. It is currently reported that there is a possibility of additional casualties.

The fire occurred in an eight-story commercial building located in a busy area of Osaka City. Around 10:20 a.m., a report was received by local fire authorities that "the 4th floor of the building is on fire," and fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire, which was almost put out by around 10:46 a.m. There is a hospital on the 4th floor of the building where the fire broke out, and other floors house clothing stores and an English academy.

About 80 fire trucks were dispatched to carry out firefighting operations, and the fire was almost extinguished about 30 minutes later, but approximately 25 square meters inside the hospital on the 4th floor were burned. All 27 people who were in cardiopulmonary arrest were on the 4th floor.

Local police are investigating on suspicion of arson considering the fire scene. NHK quoted an investigation official saying there is information that a fire was witnessed near a paper bag carried by a man in his 60s.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.