At least four people have been killed and 19 others injured in a fire that sparked at two adjacent hostels in Kawasaki, southwest of Tokyo.

Firefighters and police are investigating if any others remain unaccounted for, out of about 60 people who were staying in the two timber buildings.

Officials said Sunday’s blaze started in one of the hotels.

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“Three were confirmed dead in the hospitals, while one was found dead in the debris of the fire,” a fire official said.

“Their identities, including gender, are unknown.”

More than 10 people remained unaccounted for, Kyodo News agency said, citing unnamed sources from police.

Authorities said the buildings were completely demolished and the cause was still being investigated.

Photo: Google Maps

– with AAP