More than 20 people developed sore throats near a luxury department store in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza shopping district on Monday after a person allegedly sprayed an unknown substance, according to Japanese fire department officials.
Incident Details
The Tokyo Fire Department reported that 26 individuals suddenly experienced throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex. All but one of them were transported to a hospital. Officials stated that their symptoms were believed to be mild.
Fire department and police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway. The Yomiuri newspaper, which has the largest circulation in Japan, indicated that police have detected traces of pepper spray on a wall at the scene.
Emergency Response
Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Television footage showed firefighters and officials in hazmat suits assisting people, with some being brought out of the building.
Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing. He noted that the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later and he did not plan to go to the hospital.
