Kyoto Prefectural Police confirmed with NHK News on Thursday that it has confirmed "multiple deaths" during the fire due to alleged arson that broke out at Kyoto Animation 's 1st Studio building earlier on Thursday. The police have not stated the exact number of deaths.

Kyoto Prefectural Police have apprehended a man who supposedly used a "gasoline-like liquid" to start the fire. According to a report by The Kyoto Shimbun newspaper, nearby residents heard an explosion on the first floor of the building. NHK also quoted a man who supposedly heard an explosion in the building at around 10:30 a.m. JST, after which a fire erupted on the building's second and third floors.

The suspect later admitted to starting the fire.

Updated: This article earlier stated that the suspect allegedly used gasoline, but news reports from sources indicate that it was instead a "gasoline-like liquid."

Source: NHK News Web