TOKYO, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- 12 people suffered minor injuries after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Koganei, western Tokyo, on Monday night, local media reported.
An emergency call reporting the fire at the 13-story building was made around 10:50 p.m. local time on Monday, Kyodo News reported Tuesday.
The injured, aged from one to their 80s, were all believed to be residents of the apartment building. Five were taken to hospital after complaining of symptoms such as sore throat, the report said.
About 200 square meters of a first-floor storage area was burned in the blaze, according to the Tokyo Fire Department.
The building was undergoing major repairs, including to its exterior, and construction materials were likely placed in the storage area, the report said.
The police are investigating the cause of the fire. ■