HIROSHIMA (TR) – Police are hunting for a male suspect who splashed an orange liquid, believed to be the highly toxic chemical toluene, into the face of a man in his 60s near a train station in Hiroshima City, leaving him with severe chemical burns, reports TV Asahi (Apr. 17).
The unprovoked attack occurred at around 5:40 p.m. on April 16 on a busy street near Astram Line’s Omachi Station in Asaminami Ward. Emergency services rushed to the scene after a passerby called police, reporting that “an elderly man had an orange liquid thrown in his face by a stranger.”
The victim suffered chemical burns to his face and complained of excruciating eye pain, reportedly telling first responders that he was unable to open his eyes.
Two female bystanders — a woman in her 50s and her daughter in her 20s — who were exposed to the chemical’s strong, stimulating odor also complained of throat pain and severe nausea. All three individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to health officials and fire department testing, the orange substance was identified as highly likely to be toluene, a designated deleterious chemical.
Toluene is an extremely volatile and flammable solvent that can cause severe damage to the central nervous system if its vapors are inhaled. Due to the high risk of the toxic fumes spreading and the extreme flammability of the liquid, nine fire engines were deployed to the area, prompting a temporary restriction of the surrounding streets.
The victim told investigators that the assailant suddenly splashed the chemical on him as they passed each other on the street. The suspect, who immediately fled the scene, is described as a man in his 30s, approximately 160 centimeters tall, and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt.
Police initially investigated the incident as a robbery resulting in injury after the disoriented victim claimed his smartphone had been stolen. However, after the phone was subsequently found in his possession, authorities shifted the investigation strictly to a case of assault.
An intensive manhunt is currently underway as police analyze security camera footage in the area to track down the fleeing suspect.
