A terrifying scene unfolded in Tokyo when young schoolchildren were forced to stand on a fourth-floor ledge while waiting to be rescued from their burning elementary school.

Heart-stopping eyewitness video from Friday, June 19, showed several children lined up on a narrow overhang at Takinogawa Daisan Elementary School as thick smoke billowed from the windows behind them.

The frightening footage captured the students trapped outside the building, carefully balancing high above the ground while emergency crews rushed to the scene.

Nearly 300 pupils and staff members were evacuated from the school after the fire broke out, according to local reports.

At least 11 people were injured in the blaze, with some reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Officials later confirmed that everyone at the school had been accounted for, easing fears after the dramatic rescue operation.

The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

The shocking images quickly spread as viewers reacted to the sight of young children waiting helplessly on the ledge while smoke poured from the building.