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Death Toll Reaches 33 In Arson Fire At Renowned Japanese Anime Studio

About 70 people were inside the three-story building when it caught fire.

Death Toll Reaches 33 In Arson Fire At Renowned Japanese Anime Studio
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At least 33 people are dead and dozens more injured after a man dumped a flammable liquid around Kyoto Animation, setting ablaze one of Japan's most popular anime studios. 

Kyoto Animation is best known for anime series like "Full Metal Panic!" and "K-On!"

Authorities say about 70 people were inside the three-story building when it caught fire Thursday morning. The suspect, who is now in police custody, reportedly screamed "die" as he started the blaze. Police say he is not a current or former employee of the studio.

In a tweet, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo called it an "arson murder spree." According to The New York Times, this fire is one of the worst in recent Japanese history. The most recent major fire was in 2008, and it killed around half as many people. In 2001, a fire in Tokyo killed 44.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.