Japan's Kyoto Animation studio set ablaze over suspected stolen works
In a tragic incident, a fire broke out at an animation studio in Kyoto, Japan, on Thursday, killing at least 33 people, injuring dozens of others. The police said that a 41-year-old man caused the blaze after he doused the three-story building with petrol and set it on fire. The police are yet to ascertain the motive behind the arson. Here are more details.
Fire engulfed building instantly; people couldn't outrun it
Reportedly, the fire started at about 10:30 local time on Thursday. Eyewitnesses described that the blaze was like "looking at hell." According to BBC, people in the vicinity also reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by the inferno. Experts state that the fire would have raged through the building too quickly for people to outrun it. Several bodies were found near the stairwell.
Man bought 40L petrol from nearby gas station
Further, firefighters stated around 70 people were in the building during the fire. Out of the 33 deceased, two were found on the first floor, 11 on the second floor, and 20 on the stairs between the third and top floors. Reports stated a man had bought 40L of petrol from a nearby petrol station and two containers were found from the scene later.
Suspect detained; receiving treatment at hospital for injuries
Police have detained suspect, but haven't been able to interview him, since he's currently in the hospital for his injuries. It has been confirmed that the suspect is not a former employee of Kyoto Animation. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported seeing a man flee from the scene towards a nearby station, however, he later collapsed. Some reports state he was being chased by the studio's employees.
Studio had received threats in the past: Kyoto Animation President
Additionally, Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta told The Asahi Shimbun that the company had received death threats over email years ago. Although a connection between the threats and the incident hasn't been established, Hatta said nothing became of the threats until now.
Too appalling for words: Japan PM
"It is unbearable that the people who helped carry Japan's animation industry were hurt and lost their lives in this way," Hatta told The Asahi Shimbun. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also extended condolences and said that the incident was "too appalling for words." The fire is said to be the worst casualty incidents since World War II in famously safe Japan.
People start fundraiser to rebuild beloved KyoAni studio
Founded in 1981, Kyoto Animation, or KyoAni, is famous for producing films and graphic novels. Their Violet Evergarden series was even picked up by Netflix for the global market. People have now started a GoFundMe campaign titled "Help KyoAni Heal" with over $1,42,744 raised.
