TOKYO, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out on Monday at a residential house in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, leaving two people dead, local authorities said.
According to police, emergency services received a report shortly before 11:50 a.m. local time that a wooden house was on fire in Nishi Ward of the city.
The blaze was brought under control after about four and a half hours, but the house where the fire originated was destroyed. Firefighters later found two bodies inside the building.
Fire officials said the flames have spread to multiple surrounding residences. Thick smoke also drifted toward a nearby train station, temporarily disrupting some rail services.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. ■