An intentional blaze set in Kyoto, Japan at an animation studio left 33 people dead and 36 injured on Thursday, according to reports. Local police confirmed that the fire was set by an individual using a “gasoline-like liquid” which he threw around the studio while screaming “You die!” as he set the fire at Kyoto Animation. The attack is the largest arson massacre since 44 people were killed in a Tokyo blaze in 2001.
Known locally as KyoAni, the animation studio known for producing popular shows K-On! and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, had approximately 70 people on shift when the fire was set.
Witnesses described hearing a series of explosions and black smoke billowing from the two-story studio. One witness said, “I heard a bang. The black smoke rose and the burning smell was awful.”
The fire was reportedly set near the front door of the building, which prevented many from being able to escape. A bag of knives was also reportedly discovered at the scene, but it is not confirmed whether it belonged to the attacker. The 33 deaths on Thursday mark one of the largest mass killings perpetuated by one individual in modern Japanese history.
Ten of the 36 injured survivors were categorized as being seriously injured, according to authorities. The 41-year-old man responsible for setting the fire, who was quickly apprehended, was being treated for burns to his face and chest. Authorities also received information that the man had been seen purchasing gasoline before setting the blaze.
Officials from KyoAni said they had received death threats via email in recent days, but did not immediately link them to Thursday’s attack.
