Tokyo, Japan—An elderly couple died in a house fire earlier today in a residential neighborhood. The blaze was reported by neighbors shortly after the smell of smoke began filling the street.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes, but the structure was already fully engulfed in flames. The age of the house and the density of the surrounding neighborhood made it difficult to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.

Crews battled the fire for nearly two hours before it was brought under control. During the post-fire inspection, the bodies of the elderly residents were found inside. Investigators believe the fire likely started in the kitchen area of the first floor.

The local police department has begun a forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of the ignition. Neighbors noted that the couple had lived in the area for over forty years and were well-known in the local community.

The fire department is using this event to remind residents about the importance of installing functional smoke detectors and checking electrical wiring in older homes. The neighborhood remains cordoned off while debris is cleared and structural integrity is checked.

Family members of the deceased have arrived at the scene to speak with local officials. No other residents in the immediate vicinity were injured, although one nearby house sustained minor smoke damage.

The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal intent is suspected at this time. The authorities expect to provide a full report on the cause once the site analysis is complete.