At least nine people are now thought to have died and another 40 others have been injured after an explosion and fire at a building in central Tokyo.
The blast happened at a gambling den, Tokyo Fire Department spokesman Toshiya Kimishima said.
It happened at around 1 a.m. local time in the Kabukicho district, one of Tokyo's busiest entertainment areas.
The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation.
Television reports said that the injured were taken to 14 hospitals in the area.
Firefighters were checking to see if any people were still in the building.
Reports said that the fire affected the third and fourth floors.
AFP
