13 Feared Dead in Japanese Animation Studio Fire

Kyoto, July 18, 2019:

More than 12 people are feared dead and dozens injured or missing in a suspected case of arson at an animation studio in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, domestic media reported.

There were more than 70 people were in the three-storey building, which is Kyoto Animation’s main studio, and 12 people died, according to the police.

Public broadcaster NHK said police had taken into custody a 41-year-old man who shouted "Die!" as he poured what appeared to be gasoline around the studio.

The suspect was injured and was being treated at a hospital, preventing police from conducting a proper interview yet, NHK said.

The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams have been pressed into service in the flood affected areas for search and rescue operations.

The studio produces popular series such as the "Sound! Euphonium", and its "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month.

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