At least 13 dead, 40 injured in suspected arson at Japan animation studio

TOKYO, July 18 (KUNA) -- At least 13 people are dead and about 40 others injured in a suspected arson attack at an animation studio in the western Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, local police and firefighters said.
A man set fire at the Kyoto Animation Co. studio after pouring a gasoline-like substance at around 10:35 am (0135 GMT), according to police. The 41-year-old man, who was detained and taken to hospital for his injuries, admitted to set fire at the three-story building. Police also found knives at the scene.
About 70 people, mainly studio employees, were believed to be inside the building when the fire started, police said. According to public broadcaster NHK, witnesses said the man was telling people to die as he started the blaze.
The Company was founded in 1981. It was not clear what relationship the suspect may have had with Kyoto Animation, which has produced several popular TV animation series, including "K-On" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya". (end) mk.hb