タワマン火災2人死亡、洗濯機が溶けるほど焼損 漏電など電気系トラブルも視野に原因捜査
大阪市天王寺区のタワーマンションで18日早朝、住人2人が死亡した火災で、脱衣所の洗濯機の本体が溶けるほど激しく燃えていたことが同日、大阪府警天王寺署への取材で分かった。同署は洗濯機が火元で、漏電といった電気系統のトラブルが発生した可能性も視野に、詳しい出火原因を調べている。
2009年に港区愛宕父親のオフィス14階で仕事中、洗濯機が火を拭いて火事になったことがあります。発見があと数分遅れていたら出入口の関係上、またバックドラフトの危険から死んでいたのではないか？と今になって思いますが、洗面所近辺が黒焦げになっていて、原因がドイツ製の洗濯機でした。その後の補償ですったもんだしましたが、それよりも14階での家事ともなろうものなら、消防士さんも大変で、特にオートロックなどで制御されていると入ってこれず、かつ下の階に水が行くと大変だから、極力水をかけないように配慮するなどされていました。
自分も消化器2本ほど扉を開けて撒いたのですが、洗濯機の裏側に消化器の粉が届くはずもなくほとんど無意味。いまだに父親の会社に行くと火事を思い出します。もしあと数分火事に気付かなかったら親子とも死んでいたかもしれません。
タワマンというか高い建物の火事といえばポール・ニューマン主演の「タワーリングインフェルノ」を思い出しますが、洗濯が外で干せない構造のタワマンは、乾燥機を多用しがち。その後ろ側にほこりが溜まっていると漏電の危険性がありますので、注意が必要です。
High-Rise Fire Claims Two Lives; Washing Machine Burned Beyond Recognition, Electrical Issues Suspected
In the early hours of the 18th, a fire broke out in a high-rise condominium in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, claiming the lives of two residents. According to the Tennoji Police Station of the Osaka Prefectural Police, the fire was so intense that the washing machine in the bathroom melted. Investigators suspect that the washing machine was the point of origin and are examining whether electrical issues, such as a short circuit, could have caused the fire.
In 2009, a fire broke out at my father’s office on the 14th floor of a building in Atago, Minato Ward, Tokyo, while he was working. The washing machine caught fire, and in hindsight, I realize that had the fire been discovered just a few minutes later, the combination of restricted exits and the risk of a backdraft could have resulted in fatalities. The area around the bathroom was scorched black, and the cause was identified as a German-made washing machine. Although we dealt with a lengthy compensation process afterward, what stood out more was the challenge posed by a fire on the 14th floor. Firefighters had a hard time accessing the scene due to features like auto-lock doors, and they had to minimize the use of water to prevent damage to the lower floors.
I used two fire extinguishers to try and contain the fire, but the extinguishing powder could not reach the back of the washing machine, rendering my efforts nearly futile. To this day, visiting my father’s office brings back memories of the fire. It’s chilling to think that had the fire gone unnoticed for just a few more minutes, both my father and I could have perished.
Speaking of fires in high-rise buildings, the film The Towering Inferno starring Paul Newman often comes to mind. High-rise condominiums where outdoor drying of clothes is not possible tend to rely heavily on dryers. Accumulated lint behind these machines poses a risk of short circuits and potential fires, so regular maintenance and caution are essential.
株式会社ASAP
及川知也
