National News

Three die in Don Quijote fires

SAITAMA (Kyodo) - The bodies of three employees were found Dec. 14 in a gutted Don Quijote outlet that was first of two hit overnight by fires here.

Firefighters examine the charred interior of a Don Quijote outlet in the city of Saitama after it was gutted by arson Dec. 13.

The first fire also injured eight people. The second fire broke out shortly after the first at another Don Quijote outlet about 7 kilometers away. Nobody was injured in that fire which was quickly extinguished by employees.

Police have determined both of those fires were acts of arson.

The following day, the store where the second fire had occurred was again hit by arson. This time employees and security guards chased a suspect, who ran out of the store and sped away in a vehicle.

The suspect was caught on security video cameras, but local police later said it was not clear whether the person actually set the fire.

Meanwhile, fire officials have started inspecting Don Quijote outlets, which have often violated the Fire Service Law.

Shukan ST: Dec. 24, 2004

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