Nagasakiya Kasai(長崎屋火災)=Fire Hazard in Nagasakiya

Nagasaki-Ya(長崎屋), once so competitive in Showa-Era, now owned by Don Quijote(ドン・キホーテ), its downfall was said to be triggered by “Fire Hazard in Nagasakiya(長崎屋火災),” causing 15 deaths and 6 injuries. Yet.

The researchers and analysts of this case state, “arson, not caused by employee errors.” So, tonight. Let’s take a closer look at this case. I’m sure it was not just “a tragic accident” since many factors were intertwined.

Happened on March 18th, 1990, around 12:30, in Amagasaki-shi(尼崎市), Hyougo. The fire erupted from the 4th floor, interior design sales. A female customer noticed one of the curtains was burning.

119(equivalent to 911) call dispatched from the staff office, 5th(the highest) floor. Firefighters arrived on site 10 minutes later, yet the fire encompassed the entire 4th floor.

Those who descent lower floors were rescued. Yet, 22 people(both customers and employees) were trapped on the 5th floor. The smoke promptly filled the floor and instantly killed 15.

1 managed to reach the emergency exit stairs. 4 were rescued from the opened windows. 2 jumped to the building next to Nagasakiya. Out of 7 survivors, those who “jumped” 2 were seriously injured.

All 15 victims were killed by carbon monoxide intoxication since many products on the 4th floor were made of chemical fiber. The investigation later revealed that those emergency exits were blocked by cardboard boxes.

Since the fire erupted from the “curtain sales” zone, the investigators declared the case was intentional. With assistance from residents, the police publicly displayed 6 sketches of suspects.

Yet, even though over 1,900 people were investigated or interviewed, no one was arrested. Nagasakiya Amagasashiki Branch closed its business in November 1990. The building was disassembled in 1993, now turned into a mansion.

The store owner and the related manager at that time were arrested as “Gyoumujyou Kashitsu Chishi Shouzai(業務上過失致死傷罪)=corporate manslaughter,” sentenced to 3 years. They neglect the basic emergency drill.