LOOK: 2 feared dead after quake hits Osaka in Japan

Smoke rises from a house blaze in Takatsuki, Osaka, following an earthquake Monday, June 18, 2018. A strong earthquake has shaken the city of Osaka in western Japan. There are reports of scattered damage including broken glass and concrete. AP

TOKYO, Japan — A strong earthquake knocked over walls and set off scattered fires around the city of Osaka in western Japan on Monday morning, and at least two people were feared dead.

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said two people were found with no vital signs and 41 others had been injured. Japanese media reported one of the likely victims is a 9-year-old girl at a school. Japanese authorities don’t confirm death until after an examination at a hospital.

Scattered objects lie in the kitchen of a damaged house in Osaka, following an earthquake Monday, June 18, 2018. AP

The magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck shortly after 8 a.m. north of Osaka at a depth of about 13 kilometers, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The initial strength of the quake was measured at 5.9.

The strongest shaking was north of Osaka, the agency said.

The quake knocked over walls, broke windows and set off scattered building fires. It toppled book shelves in homes and scattered goods on the floor of convenience stores and other shops.

Guests take shelter outside a hotel in Osaka, following an earthquake Monday, June 18, 2018. AP

The morning commute was disrupted as train and subway service in the Osaka area including the bullet train were suspended to check for damage to equipment. Television images showed passengers getting off trains onto the tracks between stations. /cbb

Passengers get off a train which suspended its service in Osaka, following an earthquake Monday, June 18, 2018. AP