Police in Japan are investigating after an unknown substance was reportedly sprayed inside a crowded commercial building.
TOKYO, Japan — At least 26 people were injured after a person allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance inside a busy Tokyo shopping complex, triggering panic among shoppers and a large emergency response Sunday, authorities said.
The incident occurred inside a multistory commercial facility in central Tokyo during one of the weekend’s busiest shopping periods. Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing people suddenly coughing, rubbing their eyes and rushing toward exits as the substance spread through part of the building. Emergency crews, including firefighters, paramedics and police officers, evacuated sections of the complex while injured people received treatment outside. Officials said most victims suffered breathing difficulties, throat irritation and eye pain, though authorities did not immediately report any life-threatening injuries. Investigators are still working to identify the exact substance involved.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police said officers detained a person at the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or announced formal charges while investigators continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the shopping complex. Several victims were transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation, while others received treatment at the scene. Witnesses described confusion as alarms sounded and crowds attempted to leave escalators and food court areas simultaneously. One shopper told local media the smell was “extremely sharp” and caused people nearby to begin coughing almost immediately. Emergency workers wearing protective masks later entered portions of the building to inspect the affected areas.
Japan maintains strict public safety procedures for incidents involving potentially hazardous materials, especially in crowded transit and commercial districts. Concerns surrounding chemical exposure remain highly sensitive in the country because of the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult, which killed 14 people and injured thousands more. Although officials emphasized there is no indication the current incident involved military-grade chemicals or terrorism, authorities moved quickly to isolate the affected area and begin air-quality testing. Public safety announcements urged people to avoid restricted sections of the shopping center while emergency inspections continued. The affected complex remained partially closed Sunday evening as investigators collected samples and reviewed ventilation systems.
Authorities said investigators from specialized hazardous materials units are assisting with the case. Police and fire officials are expected to analyze residue samples recovered from the scene to determine whether the substance was an irritant spray, cleaning chemical or another airborne agent. Officials have not said whether the suspect acted alone or whether the attack appeared targeted. Medical teams continued monitoring several patients overnight for respiratory complications, though officials said most injuries appeared minor to moderate in severity. Commercial tenants inside the shopping center were temporarily evacuated while authorities inspected air circulation systems and common areas including elevators, hallways and restaurants.
People who were inside the complex during the incident described scenes of panic as crowds moved quickly toward exits. Some witnesses said shoppers covered their mouths with clothing while parents carried children away from heavily affected sections of the building. Videos shared online showed emergency vehicles surrounding entrances to the complex while police officers directed pedestrians away from the area. Business owners inside nearby stores said the emergency response disrupted operations for several hours and left many visitors shaken. Several train stations surrounding the shopping district also experienced temporary crowd-control measures as emergency crews managed the scene.
The investigation remained ongoing Monday as authorities awaited laboratory results identifying the substance involved. Police said additional updates about the suspect and the condition of those injured could be released after forensic testing is completed.