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Ginza spray sends people to hospital
A man allegedly sprayed a substance at an ATM inside the Ginza Six shopping complex in Tokyo’s Ginza district on Monday, triggering reports of sore throats and people feeling unwell.
“A total of 19 were taken to hospitals for treatment.”
The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people suddenly developed sore throats and felt unwell near the luxury Ginza Six shopping complex, and all but one were taken to hospital with symptoms believed to be mild.
Police said the road in front of the centre was blocked off after the incident, and fire trucks lined the street as emergency responders in hazmat suits assisted people.
A 70-year-old woman told NHK that her throat started "stinging and hurting" as she approached the ATM, and she said, "By the time I arrived, the commotion had already started, and I thought there might have been a small fire or something."
Suspect sought as details vary
Tokyo police spokesman Yusuke Koide said a man sprayed a substance at an ATM on the ground floor of the building in the luxury Ginza 6 shopping centre, and police were still looking for the suspect.
AFP and other outlets described the substance as an irritant spray, with the BBC saying it was identified by authorities as likely containing capsaicin, which is found in chilli peppers.
The BBC reported that "Police are still looking for the suspect," while AP said "approximately 20 people reported sore throats" after the alleged spraying incident in the middle of Tokyo’s shopping district.
CBS News said Tokyo police spokesman Yusuke Koide told AFP that a man sprayed a substance at an ATM on the ground floor, and a local fire department official said "around 20 people were injured" after a report of a "smell."
Investigation and public safety
Authorities said the incident occurred in the heart of Ginza, with NHK reporting police received a report around noon on Monday of a foul smell at the Ginza Six shopping complex and people complaining of symptoms such as coughing.
“Police are searching for the man on suspicion of assault.”
NHK said the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating eyewitness reports of a man spraying a substance around a bank's ATM section near the entrance on the first floor, and police are searching for the man on suspicion of assault.
The AP said "At least one person was taken to the hospital" while approximately 20 people reported sore throats, and the BBC said at least 19 people were taken to hospital after a strong smell was reported.
In the background of Japan’s broader public safety concerns, the BBC recalled the 1995 subway attack by members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, noting that on March 20, 1995, five members dropped bags of Nazi-developed sarin nerve agent inside morning commuter trains, killing 14 people and making more than 5,800 ill.