OSAKA, Aug 18 (Kyodo/APP): Three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out Monday in a building located in Osaka’s Dotombori district, one of the city’s busiest shopping areas and a popular tourist spot, local firefighters said.
An emergency call at around 9:50 a.m. reported the fire on the first floor of the building in the western Japan city, according to the fire department.
One woman was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation and two firefighters were also sent for treatment, according to police. All three were conscious at the time.
Black smoke was seen spewing from the building, located close to the famous Glico neon billboard, with crowds of passersby and tourists stopping to watch firefighters’ attempts to extinguish the blaze.
A man who works in a nearby ramen shop said he rushed outside after police warned him about the blaze.