An arson attack at Kyoto Animation studio has killed at least 26
BBC reports that at least 26 people have been killed in a suspected arson attack at Kyoto Animation studio.
Police stated that a 41-year-old man broke into the studio on Thursday morning, spraying petrol and igniting it. He was heard shouting “drop dead” as he started the fire. Knives were also found at the scene.
The suspect was detained and taken to hospital with injuries. His relationship with the studio is unclear reports state he was not a former employee of the studio.
“I saw some people with burns, covered with something. They were rushed to the ambulance,” one neighbour of the studio said.
Firefighters found 10 victims on the stairs between the second floor and roof, with more victims feared to be on the top floor. Some people are still unaccounted for.
“Several other people appeared to have failed to escape on the second floor,” a fire department spokesman told AFP.
26 were killed and 36 people have been hospitalized, with some in critical condition. 70 people were in the building at the time.
The studio is known for its graphic novels and popular anime including K-On, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and A Slient Voice.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the incident was “too appalling for words”.
