[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] NHK and other broadcasters reported that 19 people have been confirmed dead due to a building fire that occurred on the 17th in Osaka City, Japan.
According to reports, among the 28 injured from the fire, 27 were rescued in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest. They were transported to nearby hospitals, and 19 of the injured were confirmed dead, while 3 were resuscitated through treatment.
The fire broke out in an 8-story commercial building located in a busy district of Osaka City. Around 10:20 AM, a report was received by local fire authorities stating that the 4th floor of the building was on fire. Fire trucks were dispatched and the fire was almost extinguished by around 10:46 AM. The 4th floor of the building where the fire occurred houses a hospital, and other floors contain clothing stores and an English academy.
About 80 fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire, and although the fire was nearly out about 30 minutes later, approximately 25 square meters inside the hospital on the 4th floor were burned. All 27 people who were in cardiopulmonary arrest were on the 4th floor.
Local police are investigating on suspicion of arson considering the fire scene. NHK quoted an investigation official saying there is information that a fire was witnessed near a paper bag carried by a man in his 60s.
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