Fire at Tokyo elementary school injures 11, prompts mass evacuation
Eleven people, including eight children and three teachers, were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at an elementary school in Tokyo's Kita Ward on Friday, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of pupils and staff as authorities launched an investigation.
- Eleven people, including eight children and three teachers, were taken to hospital after the school fire.
- Hundreds of pupils and staff were evacuated safely as firefighters rescued four people from the building.
- Investigators are examining the cause of the blaze, which is believed to have started near a music room.
Eleven people, including eight children and three teachers, were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at an elementary school in Tokyo's Kita Ward on Friday, 19 June 2026, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of pupils and staff while emergency crews battled the blaze for several hours.
Police and fire authorities received reports of the fire shortly before 11 a.m. at Takinogawa No. 3 Elementary School, where around 350 pupils and teachers were on the premises. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the fourth floor, where the blaze is believed to have started near a music room.
According to Tokyo police, 11 people were injured or complained of feeling unwell and were transported to hospital. One child reportedly suffered a broken arm after falling during the evacuation, while the remaining injuries were mainly linked to smoke inhalation or minor ailments.
The Japan Times, citing sources including the Tokyo Fire Department, reported that all 11 people taken to hospital were conscious.
Authorities said everyone else at the school was evacuated safely to a nearby park and other designated locations, with no one left behind inside the building.
Firefighters rescued three pupils and one teacher who were initially unable to escape from the building.
An AFP journalist, cited by Japan Today, reported that helicopters circled overhead as parents rushed to collect frightened children from the school.
A witness told AFP that several children escaped through windows onto a concrete ledge before firefighters brought them down safely using ladders.
Fire believed to have started near music room
Investigators believe the fire originated near a music room on the school's fourth floor.
According to police, a fifth-grade music lesson was underway when the fire broke out. A burning smell had reportedly come from a room used to store musical instruments before flames spread.
A total of 75 fire engines and other emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Authorities said the fire burned approximately 200 square metres before it was extinguished after about three hours.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Fire Department are investigating the cause of the fire.
The school, located around 500 metres south of Oji Station in Tokyo's Kita Ward, has approximately 340 students.
