More than 20 feared dead in building fire in Osaka

 A fire swept through a psychiatry clinic in the Japanese city of Osaka on Friday, with 27 people feared dead and police reported to be investigating possible arson.

The blaze broke out on the fourth floor of an office building in a busy district of the western city around 10 a.m. (01:00 GMT), public broadcaster NHK said.

A man who looked in his 60s was seen carrying a bag that was leaking liquid into the clinic's reception area before the fire started, NHK said, citing people close to the probe.

More than 20 people have been confirmed dead, broadcaster TV Asahi said. An official at Osaka city's fire department earlier told Reuters that 27 people had suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest, the term used in Japan before a death is officially confirmed. Another person was injured, the official said.

The fire was largely extinguished within 30 minutes, according to NHK. Footage showed smoke pouring out of the windows of the fourth floor, as well as the roof.

Located in a shopping and entertainment district not far from Osaka's main train station, the building also houses a beauty salon, a clothing shop and an English-language school, NHK said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offered condolences and said authorities were working to determine the cause.