The death toll in a massive fire in the Japanese city of Osaka has increased to 24, the Kyodo news agency reported on Friday, citing an investigative source.
The blaze hit what is said to be a psychiatry clinic in the Kita Ward district of Osaka. It occurred on the fourth floor of a multi-storey office building and was largely extinguished within 30 minutes, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The Kyodo news agency reported about 27 people in critical condition, with many of them showing no vital signals.
The Yomiuri newspaper reported an elderly man had brought a bag into the building that leaked flammable liquid and was ignited.
Police are currently investigating suspected arson.