Kyoto Animation studio arson attack devastates Japan

KYOTO, JAPAN — More than two dozen people are dead and many more injured after a man set fire to an animation studio in Kyoto, Japan.

The Mainichi reports that on the morning of July 18, a 41-year-old man broke into the three-storey Kyoto Animation Studio building in Kyoto's Fushimi Ward.

According to the New York Times, he doused the building with a flammable liquid believed to be gasoline, and screamed 'Die!' as he set it ablaze around 10:35 a.m.

The BBC reports that eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion, followed by a blaze that quickly engulfed the building.

Around 70 people were believed to be working inside the studio when it was set on fire. Many attempted to escape by running up to the top of the building, according to the Guardian, but later collapsed on the stairs.

The suspect tried to flee, but fell on the street outside. NHK reports that he has been detained but is currently being treated at the hospital for his burns.

Firefighters said they found two bodies on the first floor, 11 on the second floor, and 20 on the third floor staircase leading to the roof — a total of 33 casualties. 36 others have been hospitalized for their injuries.

Police have not yet established a motive for the attack, though eyewitnesses say the suspect appeared to be angry with the studio.

The fire at Kyoto Animation shocked and devastated the studio's fans around the world.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to "Help KyoAni Heal" has already raised over $1.2 million.