TOKYO (TR) – A fire broke out at a luxury sauna in Minato Ward on Monday afternoon, killing two patrons, authorities said, reports TBS News (Dec. 15).
Around 12:30 p.m., a call to emergency services was made from the third floor of a building in Akasaka. “An emergency alarm is ringing,” the caller said.
According to police, the fire broke out in a private sauna on the third floor of a five-story building in Akasaka at around 12:30 p.m.
Two patrons, a man and a woman in their 30s, were taken to a hospital in critical condition and unconscious. However, they were pronounced dead approximately an hour and a half later.
The private sauna where the fire occurred boasts a “completely private space” and is a “luxury” establishment that offers a “hideaway for adults.” The monthly membership fee is 390,000 yen.
The two victims had made a reservation for between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. According to a sauna representative, they had taken the cheapest plan, which is two hours for 19,000 yen.
The private rooms on the third floor are next to a sauna room, shower room and cold bath. There is also a separate rest area.
Collapsed near entrance
According to police, the two victims were found naked, collapsed on top of each other near the entrance to the sauna room
The sauna room had burns on its interior walls, seating area and seat backrests. A towel inside the room was also burned. The two customers suffered minor burns to their shoulders and backs.
A source from the sauna says, “There were several fist-sized burn marks on the sauna seating area. As well, smoke from the room was leaking into the hallway.”
“Very small space”
Akira Tanaka, former member of the Tokyo Fire Department’s Special Rescue Team, says, “It was a private sauna, so I think it was a very small space. Unlike larger rooms, poor ventilation can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so I think the ventilation in the room will be investigated in the future.”
Furthermore, the private sauna in question was said to allow smartphones.
“Sauna rooms are hot and humid, which is not a good environment for lithium-ion batteries [used in smartphones],” Tanaka continues. “The possibility that a lithium-ion battery caught fire may be investigated in the police and fire department’s investigation into the cause of the fire.”
The operator of the sauna said in a statement to say that they are suspending operations for the time being.
“We take this incident very seriously and offer our deepest apologies for the loss of a precious life,” the statement said. “We will work with relevant authorities to investigate the cause and do our utmost to prevent a recurrence.”
