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Emergency response after chemical spray at Ginza shopping complex
At least 19 individuals were hospitalized Monday after a pungent substance was released near an ATM in Tokyo's upscale Ginza 6 mall, authorities confirmed.
Suspected irritant triggers health alerts
Police stated a man sprayed an unidentified compound at a ground-floor cash machine around midday. Preliminary tests suggest the agent contained capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers known to cause respiratory irritation.
Witnesses described immediate discomfort: throats burned, eyes watered, and breathing became labored. A 70-year-old woman told AFP her throat felt "scratchy, almost numb" after entering the ATM area.
Scene sealed as search for suspect continues
Emergency crews-including firefighters, paramedics, and police-quickly cordoned off the road outside the mall. Hazmat-suited responders escorted shoppers to safety while erecting tarps to contain potential airborne spread.
National broadcaster NHK reported authorities are still hunting the individual responsible. No arrests have been made as of 16:30 local time.
Health impact and next steps
All 19 affected individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation. Officials have not released details on their conditions but confirmed no fatalities.
Police are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to trace the suspect's movements. The ATM area remains closed pending forensic analysis.
