19 taken to hospital in Japan after suspected tear gas released in Tokyo mall
More than 50 emergency vehicles were activated after police received a call about an irritating smell and people coughing inside the mall
The incident took place around noon at the mall in Tokyo’s Chuo ward after police received an emergency call reporting an irritating smell and people coughing inside it, Japanese media reported.
Nineteen of the 26 people affected were taken to hospital after complaining of symptoms including headaches and throat pain, according to TBS News Dig.
All of those taken to hospital were conscious and their injuries were not considered life-threatening, the broadcaster reported.
Authorities said they were searching for a man seen on security footage spraying something inside the mall before leaving the scene. The suspected attacker was believed to have fled towards the Shimbashi area, local media reported.
Fuji News Network (FNN), citing the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, said the substance that was used appeared to be something resembling tear gas.
The incident was believed to have occurred near the lobby of a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch inside Ginza Six.