A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and causing extensive structural damage across the region.
Among the most serious incidents was an apparent explosion and partial collapse at AEON Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, where emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving multiple reports of a loud blast followed by white smoke rising from the shopping centre.
Japanese authorities are continuing rescue operations as they assess the full scale of the disaster.
AEON Mall Suffers Explosion Following Earthquake
Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion shortly after the earthquake struck, with thick dust and smoke seen rising from the shopping mall.
Aerial footage captured by local broadcasters showed sections of the mall’s exterior walls torn away, exposing steel beams and leaving parts of the roof badly damaged. Large holes were also visible in the roof structure.
One employee at a nearby stationery shop said they initially believed another earthquake had struck after hearing a loud bang.
Another worker at a nearby restaurant recalled hearing a thunderous explosion before seeing a massive cloud of dust rising from the direction of the shopping centre.
Rescue Operations Continue
According to Japanese authorities, emergency services received numerous calls reporting an explosion at the mall shortly after 6pm local time.
Firefighters and police immediately began searching the damaged building while attempting to determine whether additional people remained trapped inside.
Earlier reports indicated that between 20 and 30 employees at the shopping centre could not be contacted following the collapse.
Death Toll Rises To 13
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed on Wednesday morning that the earthquake has claimed at least 13 lives.
Among the fatalities were three people found at AEON Mall Kumamoto, including two women believed to be in their 20s. Another victim died after being rescued from a collapsed house in Yatsushiro City.
Authorities said additional casualties may still be discovered as search and rescue teams continue clearing collapsed buildings throughout the affected areas.
Officials are also investigating the exact cause of the explosion at the shopping mall and whether it was directly triggered by damage caused by the earthquake.