Suspect in deadly Osaka clinic fire in critical condition

OSAKA • A man seen by police as a potential suspect in a deadly fire at a Japanese mental health clinic was in a critical condition yesterday, reports said, a day after the blaze claimed 24 lives.

The 61-year-old former patient of the clinic in Osaka was being treated in hospital, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing police sources.

Police were investigating a link with a small fire that had occurred at the man's home 30 minutes earlier, NHK and the Asahi Shimbun daily said.

Mourners placed bouquets of flowers and offerings of beer and water yesterday at the site of the suspected arson attack.

"I wanted them to have something warm," a 34-year-old care worker, who placed a can of coffee on the table, told reporters at the scene in the city in western Japan.

"I prayed that an incident like this will never happen again," he said, fighting back tears.

The fourth-floor clinic is in a downtown shopping district. The building it is in was covered in blue plastic sheets and guarded by police yesterday.

The fire broke out on Friday morning after the suspect entered the clinic carrying a bag of liquid that caught fire after he set it down near a heater and kicked it, a police spokesperson said.

Local media said it is believed most of the victims suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, and may have been trapped inside the unit with the exit blocked.

"I just cannot forgive the person who has done this," said a patient of the clinic in his 20s, declining to give his name. "I want the one who is responsible to pay for the crime according to law."

Patients praised the doctor who ran the clinic as a stalwart supporter of mental health.

The fate of Dr Kotaro Nishizawa has not been publicly disclosed. His clinic offered treatment for problems including depression and panic disorder, with a focus on helping patients return to work.

"I suffered from depression three years ago and found myself unable to go to work," Mr Toshiya Tanaka, 56, told reporters gathered at the scene. "The doctor told me, 'Mr Tanaka, take a rest. You don't need to do anything. You have depression. Please just take a rest.' That still rings in my ears. I was saved by his comment."

Dr Nishizawa's father said he did not yet know if his son was among the dead. "I hope (my son) is safe and alive. That's all I want," he said in comments reported by several major newspapers.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS