Emergency responders rushed to the Mozo Wonder City shopping mall in Nagoya on Monday after visitors reported an odd smell and coughing [1].
The incident has triggered a large-scale response from police and fire departments to determine the cause of the respiratory distress and identify the number of casualties [2].
According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. [1]. The distress was concentrated on the fourth floor of the facility, specifically within a game center [2]. Visitors in the area began complaining of a strange odor and sudden coughing fits, leading to immediate calls for assistance [1].
Fire, ambulance, and police crews were dispatched to the scene to manage the crowd and provide medical aid [2]. Authorities are currently working to verify the extent of the injuries, as early reports indicated that many people may have been affected [2].
"Many people are coughing," a fire department report said [1].
Police are continuing to sweep the fourth floor to ensure no other visitors are in danger and to gather evidence regarding the source of the odor. While the exact nature of the substance causing the reaction has not been identified, emergency teams are prioritizing the evacuation and treatment of those showing symptoms [2].
"There is also information that many people have been injured, and police and fire departments are rushing to confirm," the fire department said [2].
“Many people are coughing”
The mobilization of three different emergency services—fire, ambulance, and police—suggests a high-priority response to a potential chemical or environmental hazard in a high-traffic public space. Because the incident is localized to a game center on the fourth floor, investigators will likely focus on equipment malfunctions or localized leaks to determine if the cause was accidental or intentional.
