Fire Breaks Out in Kyoto Animation Studio Due to Arson, Multiple Deaths Confirmed

Terrible news today: NHK News reported on Thursday that a fire broke out in one of the studio buildings of anime studio Kyoto Animation in Uji City, Kyoto. As of this writing, the fire is still being put out by the Kyoto City Fire Department. According to Kyoto Prefectural Police’s statement to NHK, the fire was caused by a man in his 40s. He was already apprehended by the police, and admits that he did start the fire.

According to reports, the affected building is Kyoto Animation’s 1st Studio building, where most of the studio’s main line production takes place. As the fire hasn’t been put out yet (as of this writing), it is highly likely that key animation papers, files, and progress made on ongoing animation projects (which are stored in the first floor) were burned (There are unverified reports circulating on Twitter that this is true, although this is not confirmed yet).

NHK and The Kyoto Shimbun reports that nearby residents heard an explosion on the first floor of the building at around 10:30 AM. One resident also said that he saw a man pouring gasoline around the building and then starting the fire. As mentioned above, he is now in police custody.

Latest updates at 12:15 PM JST place the total number of injured at 38, but this is still projected to go higher as the fire is still ongoing. Of these 38, 10 were seriously injured.

As of 12:17 PM JST, police have already confirmed multiple deaths, but have yet to release a count.

Kyoto Animation was founded in 1981 by Yoko Hatta and has since become known for fan-favorite titles such as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, K-ON!, Clannad, and later works like Sound! Euphonium, Free!, and Violet Evergarden.

Our sincerest condolences to the families of those affected by the fire.

Source: Japan Times