TOKYO — More than 300 children and teachers were evacuated or rescued after a fire broke out at an elementary school in Tokyo on June 19, with several students and staff injured but no fatalities reported, according to Japanese authorities.
The fire erupted late Friday morning at Takinogawa No. 3 Elementary School in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, reportedly near a music room on the fourth floor of the four-story building. The Tokyo Fire Department said firefighters and emergency crews responded after thick smoke was seen rising from the school. About 300 students and staff were on the premises when the blaze began.
Officials said all children and school employees were either evacuated or rescued from the building. Firefighters rescued one teacher and several students, while the majority of those inside reached safety by evacuating to a nearby park. Authorities said no one was left behind in the building.
Television footage broadcast by Japanese media showed black smoke pouring from upper-floor windows as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Dozens of fire engines and emergency vehicles were deployed to the scene, and the blaze was extinguished later in the afternoon after several hours of firefighting operations.
According to the Tokyo Fire Department and local media reports, several students and teachers suffered injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation and evacuation-related accidents. Kyodo News reported that 11 people were injured, including a teacher who sustained a broken hip and two children who suffered broken arms. Authorities said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
An 11-year-old student told Kyodo News that he heard people shouting “Run!” while attending an English class when the fire broke out. The student said he was frightened but followed his teacher’s instructions to remain calm during the evacuation.
Some children sought refuge on a rooftop and balcony areas while firefighters carried out rescue operations. Witnesses reported seeing students gathered on ledges outside the building as emergency crews worked to bring them to safety.
Authorities said the fire is believed to have started in or near a music preparation room adjacent to the school’s music classroom, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Police and fire officials continued examining the scene on Friday, and no further injuries were immediately reported.
