UPDATE – 1 killed as massive fire in southwestern Japan damages over 170 buildings

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By Islamuddin Sajid and Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - One person was killed after a massive fire broke out in a neighborhood in southwestern Japan, damaging more than 170 buildings, media reports said Wednesday.

The fire started late Tuesday and spread through a dense residential area in the city of Oita, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Residents were forced to leave their homes, with authorities evacuating more than 170 people, while one person missing earlier was confirmed dead.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, with military helicopters used in the operations.

Oita said that the blaze has scorched 49,000 square meters (52,743 square feet), according to NHK.

Police said they found one person in cardiac arrest at the home of a 76-year-old man who was missing. The unidentified person was confirmed dead.

A woman in her 50s reportedly sustained minor wounds, including burns to her throat, and was transported to a hospital.