At least four people killed in hostel fire in Tokyo suburb

At least four people were killed in a fire early yesterday at two adjacent hostels in Kawasaki, southwest of Tokyo, while 19 others were injured and sent to hospital, firefighters said.

Firefighters and police are investigating if any more people remain unaccounted for among the roughly 60 who were staying in the two wooden buildings after the blaze broke out in one of the hotels, an official of Kawasaki Fire Department told AFP.

"Three were confirmed dead in the hospitals, while one was found dead in the debris of the fire," she said, adding their identities, including gender, were unknown.

More than 10 people remained unaccounted for, Kyodo News agency said, citing unnamed sources from police.

The two buildings were completely burned down, authorities said, adding they are investigating the cause of the fire.