Japan: 27 feared dead after building fire breaks out in Osaka

17 December 2021, 06:24 | Updated: 17 December 2021, 06:26

Firetrucks are seen in front of a building, where a fire broke out in Osaka.
Firetrucks are seen in front of a building, where a fire broke out in Osaka. Picture: Getty

By Sophie Barnett

Dozens of people are feared to have died in a building fire in western Japan, officials have said.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The fire broke out in Osaka, on the fourth floor of an eight-storey building in the shopping and entertainment area of Kitashinchi, Osaka city fire department official Akira Kishimoto said.

Mr Kishimoto said 28 people were affected in the blaze, 27 of whom were found in cardiopulmonary arrest - a term used in Japan before a death is officially confirmed. One person was injured.

So far, he said 23 people have been taken to nearby hospitals.

The building houses an internal medicine clinic, an English language school and other businesses, NHK national television said.

The cause of the fire and other details were not immediately known.

Osaka police said they were investigating to determine whether the fire was caused by arson or an accident.

Read more: 'We are numb with sadness': Four children die in south London house fire

Dozens are feared dead after a fire broke out in Osaka, Japan.
Dozens are feared dead after a fire broke out in Osaka, Japan. Picture: Getty

NHK footage showed dozens of fire engines and police vehicles on the street near the building, with onlookers watching the development from across the street.

NHK quoted a witness saying she heard a woman's voice coming from the fourth floor asking for help.

Mr Kishimoto said people on other floors of the building were believed to have been evacuated.

Read more: Lib Dems seize ultra-safe Tory seat in North Shropshire by-election piling pressure on PM

Dozens are feared dead after a fire broke out in Osaka, Japan.
Dozens are feared dead after a fire broke out in Osaka, Japan. Picture: Getty

Another witness told TV Asahi he saw orange flames and grey smoke coming out of windows on the fourth floor of the building when he stepped outside after hearing a commotion.

In all, 70 fire engines were mobilised to fight the fire, which was mostly extinguished within about 30 minutes of an emergency call, officials said.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Monumental Pharaoh Thutmose II statues in Karnak Temple.

Pharaoh discovery 'solves a great mystery of ancient Egypt'

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

Nasa updates prediction of ‘city killer’ asteroid hitting Earth

The PM will propose sending 30,000 troops to police Ukraine.

Kremlin hits back branding Starmer's plans to send 30,000 troops to Ukraine 'unacceptable'

Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent

Ex-Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent after World Cup final

A rescue team of 10 personnel was deployed on Sunday evening.

British tourist dies after fall while trekking with friend in Himalayas

Hamas hands over bodies of 4 Israeli captives under Gaza ceasefire deal

'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel in mourning as coffins of four hostages returned after sick Hamas parade

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Meets With President Of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky In Washington

Starmer shows support for 'democratically elected' Zelenskyy after Trump 'dictator' comments

Donald Trump has branded Zelenskyy a "dictator."

Trump labels Zelenskyy a ‘dictator,' says he owes US billions and only wants to keep the ‘gravy train’ going

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said thousands of troops have crossed the Kursk border into Ukrainian territory.

Thousands of troops storm into Ukraine in fresh attack, Russia claims as Putin insists he’s ready for talks with Zelesnkyy

Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Chinese tourist village slammed for using fake snow to draw in visitors

Charlotte Peet has gone missing in Brazil.

Father of Brit journalist missing in Brazil breaks silence as he reveals moment daughter's 'trail went cold'

Avoriaz is a French mountain resort

Brit skier, 23, found dead beneath French Alps cliff after 'plunging 260ft on return from night out'

Austrian police arrest teenager over 'attack at railway station'

Isis supporting boy, 14, 'who planned attack at railway station' held by Austrian police

Davi Nunes Moreira, of Planalto, Brazil, passed away seven days after injecting a solution made from a crushed butterfly into his leg.

Boy who injected himself with crushed butterfly for 'online challenge' suffered week of agonising symptoms before death

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

NASA scientist increase chance of 'city killer' asteroid 'the size of Big Ben' striking earth

Exclusive
Sadiq Khan

'It's bonkers': Sadiq Khan hits out at Trump for 'rewarding' Putin while excluding Ukraine from peace talks