The world of pop culture has been struck by a horrible tragedy, as a fire in the Japanese animation studio Kyoto Animation — a suspected arson, according to police — has killed dozens of people. According to a report by NHK “at least 16 people have died,” while an Associated Press article claims there are “nearly 30 people confirmed or presumed dead” with an additional “36 injured” in a building that only had around 70 people in it at the time of the alleged attack.

NHK’s story says that “police say one suspect, believed to be in his 40s” has been taken into custody and sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to witnesses...

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.

Kyoto Animation has been around for almost 40 years, and produced anime series like K-On and Lucky Star. No connection between the suspect and the studio has been established yet, although although the AP’s post states that one witness believed she heard the man “angrily complaining that something of his had been ‘stolen.’”

Both of the articles linked above are filled with awful, grisly details of the fire. Whatever the suspect’s motivations, this is an absolutely horrific crime. We send our best to everyone affected by this tragedy.

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