Explosion at mall in southwestern Japan leaves people trapped, injured after major earthquake
Tokyo, July 28
An explosion struck a large shopping centre in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Tuesday, leaving multiple people trapped and injured, public broadcaster NHK reported.
According to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency, information received from the local fire department indicated that part of Aeon Mall Kumamoto's second floor had collapsed, with numerous people believed to be trapped inside.
Firefighters were working to verify the situation and carry out rescue operations, the report said.
The agency also said that injured people had been transported to hospitals, although the number and severity of the injuries had not yet been disclosed, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Police and fire authorities said they received multiple emergency calls at around 6:00 p.m. local time reporting an explosion-like sound and white smoke rising from Aeon Mall Kumamoto.
Aerial footage filmed by an NHK helicopter at around 6:20 p.m. showed severe damage to the structure. Sections of the building's exterior wall had peeled away, exposing steel framework, while part of the roof appeared to have collapsed. A large hole was also visible on the rooftop.
The explosion occurred after a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Kumamoto Prefecture earlier in the day. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Kashima Town is believed to have experienced shaking of at least lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, although the exact intensity has yet to be confirmed.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The temblor occurred at around 4:27 p.m. local time at a depth of about 10 km, measuring a maximum of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in the hardest-hit areas in the prefecture, the weather agency said.
A tsunami warning of one metre has been issued for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea in southwestern Japan.
— IANS
Reader Comments
That magnitude 7.1 earthquake must have been terrifying. And then the explosion at the mall... Japan has strict building codes, but this shows nature's fury can overwhelm any precautions. My heart goes out to the trapped people and their families.
India has a lot to learn from Japan's disaster management, but even they face such tragedies. Hope the injured recover quickly. The white smoke and structural damage described in the report—must have been a gas leak explosion triggered by the quake. Stay safe, everyone!
This is heartbreaking. The tsunami warning adds to the anxiety. I hope the international community, including India, can offer support if needed. Japan is our friend and partner—solidarity in times like these is important.
That's terrifying. A 7.1 quake followed by a mall explosion. The structural failure on the second floor with people trapped—this is a nightmare scenario. Kudos to the Japanese fire department and NHK for quick reporting. Praying for everyone.
Such a tragedy. While Japan is well-prepared, the fact that people are trapped shows how unpredictable these events are. I hope rescue teams reach them soon. Also, the tsunami warning for the Ariake Sea is concerning. Stay strong, Japan.
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