More than $1 million has been raised in less than 24 hours to help victims of a devastating fire that left 33 people dead in Kyoto, Japan.
A man burst into the Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) building and started what turned into a deadly blaze on Thursday morning.
US anime company Sentai Filmworks responded to the tragedy by setting up a crowdfunding appeal titled ‘Help KyoAni Heal’.
The campaign instantly sparked international support, receiving more than $100,000 in just two hours, and by the early hours of Friday the total topped $1 million.
In its GoFund me description, the Houston-based firm wrote: “On July 18, 2019, an arsonist set the Kyoto Animation studio on fire injuring several people and leading to the loss of lives. Details on this unbelievable act are still developing.
“Sentai Filmworks hopes to help the KyoAni team during this time of need and asks that you join us in this endeavour.”
A stream of well-wishes accompanied the donations, with one person commenting: “KyoAni is and will continue to be an amazing studio. Will continue to support them.”
Another wrote: “Terrible tragedy. Condolences to victims families. One of the best studios ever! Love and support for Kyoani!”
And another added: “KyoAni made some of my favourite anime of all time. Their anime stopped me from killing myself and I’m so grateful for them. I’m heartbroken this has happened,” added another.
“Hope dreams won't be stopped. Thank you, KyoAni,” another wrote.
Thirty-three people were confirmed dead, while 36 others have been injured – some of them critically – according to Kyoto fire officials
Fire department spokesman Satoshi Fujiwara said firefighters found 20 people dead on the top floor of the three-story building.
Some of them are believed to have collapsed on the stairs leading to the roof as they attempted to flee the flames.
A man is believed to have started the fire early on Thursday, spreading an unidentified liquid around the building to fuel the blaze. He is among those injured in a hospital.
The suspect reportedly screamed “You die!" as he rampaged through building, according to Japan’s NKH national broadcaster.
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