Chemical attack at Tokyo mall: Over 20 injured after man sprays unknown substance

An incident at the popular Ginza Six shopping mall in Tokyo on May 25th sent shoppers scrambling after a man sprayed an unknown substance, leading to over 20 people reporting health issues. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, with ambulances and fire trucks cordoning off the area. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is actively searching for the suspect.

Witnesses described a "strong, pungent smell" and people coughing. One 70-year-old woman told NHK that her throat began to sting as she approached the area near the ATMs on the first floor. While most reported minor injuries, at least one person was taken to the hospital. AFP journalists observed two individuals being carried out on stretchers and taken to specialized vehicles for examination by paramedics in protective gear.

The substance was reportedly sprayed near the ATMs on the first floor of the multi-story complex, which is directly connected to Ginza Station. The incident caused significant disruption, with roads around the mall temporarily closed. This event is the second such occurrence in Japan within a month. On May 10th, a similar incident occurred on a JR Tokaido Line train, where an unknown substance was sprayed, causing about ten passengers to experience eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

Japan has maintained a high level of vigilance against chemical attacks since the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, perpetrated by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. That attack killed 14 people and injured over 6,000. While the substance used in the recent train incident was found not to be a deadly toxin, the repeated occurrences in public spaces are causing concern among the public and authorities.

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As I approached the ATM on the first floor, my throat started to sting and hurt.