December 17

More than 20 people have been severely injured in a fire that broke out at a building in Osaka City, western Japan. Most of them do not have vital signs and several have died. Police investigating the fire suspect that it was caused by arson.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the building in Osaka's Kita Ward. The fire began on the fourth floor of the eight-story building shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Friday. It was brought under control in about 30 minutes.

Rescue teams say a total of 28 people were injured. They add that 27 of the injured were in cardiopulmonary arrest. Doctors at a hospital treating some of them say three people have died.

A medical clinic is on the fourth floor of the multi-use building. An area measuring about 20 square meters was burned. Police sources say a man believed to be in his 60s was witnessed holding a paper bag with liquid leaking from it.

The witness says the fire started in an area where some of the liquid had fallen on the floor. Police suspect the fire was started deliberately.

They are investigating whether the man is among the injured.

The building is close to JR Kitashinchi Station in the downtown area of Osaka City.

NHK