30+ people dead. From NHK:
Fire dept.: 33 dead in suspected arson in Kyoto
Fire department officials in Kyoto said they have confirmed 33 people died in a suspected arson attack in Kyoto. They say 36 others were injured.
The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the studio of Kyoto Animation. It took firefighters nearly five hours to extinguish the blaze. Officials say about 70 people were in the building at the time of the fire.
Police say one suspect, believed to be in his 40s, has been taken into custody.
The man was reportedly seen pouring a flammable liquid inside the building before it went up in flames. Witnesses also say he was heard yelling "die" in Japanese.
The studio was very well regarded:
Visiting Professor of Meiji University, Ryusuke Hikawa said, "The name of Kyoto Animation is a strong brand with its sophisticated directorial and production techniques."
He added that Kyoto Animation is known as the first successful studio outside Tokyo.
Tragic.
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