北区小学校火災で女性教諭「洗濯物を乾かしていた」　火元近くのストーブは通電状態も…電源入っていたかは不明

In the fire that occurred on June 19th at Takinogawa Third Elementary School in Kita Ward, Tokyo, which resulted in 11 people being taken to the hospital—eight students and three teachers—it has now been revealed that the electric heater at the source of the fire in the music preparation room was still powered on. In the music preparation room on the fourth floor of the school building, believed to be the source of the fire, one electric heater, about three circulating fans, several burnt garments, and more than 20 hangers were found. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, it has been determined that the electric heater was powered on at the time of the fire, but due to the extensive damage, it is still unclear whether the power was on. Furthermore, it has been reported that some kind of fiber fragments were attached to the burnt electric heater. The female teacher who was in charge of music class at the time of the fire told the Metropolitan Police Department during voluntary questioning that she was "drying laundry." Since the fire occurred during a class in the music room, it is believed that the teacher had been drying laundry at some point before the class began. The female teacher reportedly showed remorse, asking about the children's safety, such as, "Are the children alright?" The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing to question the teacher voluntarily as a key witness and is investigating the incident as a possible accidental fire. Furthermore, at an emergency parent information session held at the elementary school on June 23rd, school officials announced that due to the extensive damage to the school building, approximately 230 students in the third grade and above would be transferred to nearby schools in early July. According to the school, about 40 students are currently experiencing physical and mental health problems, making the children's mental health care a pressing issue.