国际英语资讯:33 confirmed dead, dozens suffer severe burns in animation studio fire in Japans Kyoto_时事

国际英语资讯:33 confirmed dead, dozens suffer severe burns in animation studio fire in Japans Kyoto

When the fire started, a total of about 70 people were working in the studio. Many bodies were recovered from the first and second floors of the studio.

According to local media, neighboring households said they heard what sounded like a series of loud explosions and saw thick black smoke billow from the studio, which is famous for producing popular TV animation series and artifacts.

More than 30 fire engines had to be deployed to the scene to deal with the inferno and as of 12:30 p.m. local time firefighters were still battling to control the blaze.

They managed to contain the fire around 3:20 p.m. local time, about five hours after it started.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency dispatched staff to the scene to investigate the structure of the building and the reason of such a large death toll and big number of people injured.

Local fire authorities and other officials are still trying to confirm the details and whereabouts of some people thought to be in the building and still remain unaccounted for.

A number of knives and knife-like objects were also found at the scene, although investigators have yet to determine if these belong to the suspect.

Kyoto Animation runs studios in Kyoto and nearby Uji, where the company is headquartered. Founded in 1981, the company is well-known for its animations released in the 2000s that were popular with younger generations, and also produces related animation artifacts and runs training programs for animators.