Arson attack on Japan’s Kyoto Animation
The Kyoto Animation company in Kyoto, western Japan, on Thursday, suffered an arson attack shocking a nation in which extreme violence is very rare.
Police have confirmed the deaths of 16 people as well as a number of injuries. But the final death toll is likely to exceed 20.
Emergency services in Kyoto City received a call about 10:35 a.m. local time Thursday reporting an explosion on the first floor of the studio. The blaze quickly spread across the whole of the three-story building.
https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1151680192525611008
As being reported by the local media reports said a man was seen inside the building spraying a flammable liquid, shouting, “Die!” and then igniting the fluid.
The man, 41, who was injured, is now in police custody. The man has reportedly admitted setting the fire. Multiple knives were found at the scene, but it is not known if they were his.
According to the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the bodies of 12 people were found on the first and second floors.
According to the fire department, an additional 10 people found on the third floor and on the stairs were in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest.
As being reported, about 70 people were inside the building at the time of the blaze. About 30 are still unaccounted for, though that figure may include a dozen fatalities.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, took to social media to share grief and sympathy over the incident, which resulted in a public outpour of sentiments.
“Today, in the arson murder spree in Kyoto, there are many casualties. I’m speechless. I pray for the souls of those who have passed away. I would like to express my condolences to all of the injured and wish them a speedy recovery”, he tweeted.
Kyoto Animation is a beloved, organized, & independent studio full of talented people who’ve worked/helped tirelessly on these gorgeously animated & heartwarming shows that spread joy to millions. My condolences to all the brilliant staffs & their families. pic.twitter.com/B2lbrYf1qh
— ThrowMyselfAtTheSun (@pridewrathtoday) July 18, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to Kyoto Animation Studio and it’s workers who brought many of us pure joy, tears and unforgettable moments. May those artists get well soon. pic.twitter.com/MgPUAKqxjk
— Señor Juan (@juantwothreefoe) July 18, 2019
Kyoto Animation, also known as KyoAn, has been in operation since 1981. The company is known for the production of high-quality animation. The famed production includes the TV series “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “K-On!” The studio’s series adaptation of the “Tsurune” novel, written by Kotoko Ayano, recently completed airing on NHK.
Our hearts go out to everyone at Kyoto Animation, and to all their friends and family.
— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) July 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/akidearest/status/1151707916300251136
Our hearts and thoughts are with Kyoto Animation 🖤
— Sentai 💚 (@SentaiFilmworks) July 18, 2019