At least 27 people feared dead in Osaka fire

At least 27 people feared dead in Osaka fire

Firetrucks are seen in front of a building where a fire broke out in Osaka, western Japan on Dec 17, 2021.

PHOTO: Reuters

PUBLISHED ONDecember 17, 2021 3:59 AM

TOKYO - At least 27 people are feared dead after a fire on Friday (Dec 17) in a busy shopping district in the Japanese city of Osaka.

Police were investigating the fire in a building for suspected arson, Kyodo News reported, citing investigative sources.

An official at the city's fire department said 27 people were in cardiopulmonary arrest — a term used in Japan before a death is officially confirmed — and one person was injured.

Video on public broadcaster NHK showed smoke pouring out of fourth floor windows, where a medical facility is located, and at the roof of the building.

The fire was mostly extinguished within 30 minutes of being reported, media said.

Tokyo fires deaths

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