13 feared dead, 38 injured as arsonists burn down Japanese animation studio

Posted by Junko Ogura and Helen Regan | 18 July 2019 | 815 times

•Kyoto Animation Studio, Japan, in flames on July 18. Photo: CNN.

At least 13 people are feared dead and 38 injured in a suspected arson attack at an animation studio in Japan Thursday, fire officials said.

The Kyoto Fire department confirmed that one person has died and 12 people were found with "no vital signs" inside the building, which belonged to Kyoto Animation Co. In Japan, deaths must be confirmed by a doctor before being officially announced.

Kyoto police said that a man poured what appeared to be gasoline around the Kyoto Animation studio and set it on fire. He has been taken into custody.

Fire department officials said an additional 38 people were injured, with ten believed to be in a serious condition.

About 48 fire engines have been dispatched to the scene and are currently trying to get the fire under control.

Founded in 1981, Kyoto Animation is based in southern Kyoto prefecture's Uji and produces animations and publishes anime novels, comics and books, according to its website. (CNN)

Source: News Express