TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have detained a man suspected of committing arson at the world-famous at the famous “Scramble Crossing” on Friday night.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., a fire broke out at the busy intersection in front of JR Shibuya Station, burning items including kerosene and plastic bottles.
According to the Tokyo Fire Department, four pump trucks rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames within 15 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Footage captured by a TV Asahi information camera showed a person scattering a liquid onto the street before setting it alight.
Police later confirmed that a man, believed to be in his 40s or 50s, turned himself in alone at a local police station.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to the brazen act, reportedly telling investigators, “I scattered liquid and set it on fire with a lighter.”
Police are currently interrogating the man to determine his motive for the incident.
