At least 19 people were hospitalized after a man sprayed an irritant substance inside Tokyo's luxury Ginza 6 shopping complex on Monday. According to media reports, the incident occurred when a suspect sprayed a substance near a cash machine on the ground floor of the building.
Key Takeaways
At least 19 people were hospitalized after a man sprayed an irritant substance at an ATM inside Tokyo's Ginza 6 shopping complex on Monday. Authorities identified the substance as likely containing capsaicin, causing throat irritation and discomfort for those nearby. The suspect remains at large.
- At least 19 individuals taken to hospital following spraying incident in Tokyo mall
- Suspect sprayed irritant near ATM, believed to contain capsaicin from chili peppers
- Victims reported throat pain and itching; injuries described as light by authorities
- Large emergency response with police, firefighters, and hazmat teams present at the scene
The substance is believed to have been an irritant spray containing capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, as reported by national broadcaster NHK. Victims near the scene described feeling throat pain and itching, with one 70-year-old woman telling AFP that her throat started "stinging and hurting" as she approached the ATM.
A large emergency response was present at the scene, including police officers, firefighters, and ambulance workers. The road in front of the center was blocked off following the incident. Officials dressed in hazmat suits were seen bringing people out of the shopping complex for medical examination.
This incident comes amidst a backdrop of relatively low violent crime rates in Japan but follows recent events such as the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and a stabbing attack last December where an unspecified liquid was also sprayed. The investigation into this latest incident is ongoing, with police working to determine the cause.
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