Two firefighters who died in Dotonbori, Osaka died while checking if there were no person left behind

On the 18th, a fire engulfed two adjacent buildings in Osaka’s Dotonbori area, leading to the tragic deaths of two firefighters. The firefighters, Moritaka Shi, age 55, and Kosuke Nagatomo, age 22, were reportedly verifying each floor to ensure that no individuals were left behind when a collapse occurred, preventing them from escaping, according to interviews with the fire department. The Osaka City Fire Bureau plans to form a committee to investigate the incident’s circumstances.

Fire inspections of the buildings in June 2023 had revealed several legal violations, including the partial absence of automatic fire alarms. A more detailed investigation into the buildings’ conditions and fire’s origins is ongoing. Witnesses and colleagues have paid tribute to the deceased firefighters, with fellow officers expressing grief and shock over the loss.

Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama speculated that a ceiling collapse on the fifth floor might have trapped the firefighters and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies. The city is committed to swiftly addressing the incident’s causes and enhancing safety measures.