27 feared dead after Osaka building fire

Twenty-seven people are feared dead after a fire broke out in a building in Osaka on Friday, firefighters said, with an investigative source indicating police suspect an arsonist is responsible.

The local fire department received a report around 10:20 a.m. that a fire started on the fourth floor of eight-story multi-tenant building located near JR Osaka Station. A total of 28 people were injured including the 27 showing no vital signs.

The fire was nearly extinguished by around 10:45 a.m. after burning across an area of approximately 20 square meters, the department said.

The fire apparently started within a medical clinic on the fourth floor. The website of the clinic says it provides psychosomatic and psychiatric treatments.

The incident occurred in Osaka’s Kitashinchi district where a number of high-end bars and nightclubs are located.