Report: Sarin gas attack victims higher

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TOKYO, March 11 (UPI) -- The number of victims of the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system is higher than originally reported, a police survey indicates.

The National Police Agency said Thursday a nationwide survey indicated 6,300 people were affected in the attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult, not 5,000 as once estimated, the Kyodo news agency reported.

The tally as of the end of February indicated 6,252 people sustained injuries of varying degrees while the death toll rose from 12 to 13, officials said.

The original 5,000-plus estimate was based on the Tokyo Fire Department's records of taking those affected by the gas to hospitals. The original 12 deaths were cited in court cases and charging documents against Aum Shinrikyo founder Shoko Asahara and cult members, the news agency said.