Kumamoto earthquake: Aeon Mall collapses after explosion, multiple fatalities reported, rescue efforts ongoing

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, today (28th). A large shopping center, "Aeon Mall Kumamoto" in Kashima Town, experienced an explosion, causing the central area and part of the second floor to collapse. Japanese media reports indicate that multiple fatalities are suspected. As people are still trapped, rescue operations are ongoing, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and Kumamoto Broadcasting, sources from Kumamoto Prefecture revealed that Aeon Mall Kumamoto, which collapsed in the earthquake, is now believed to have resulted in multiple deaths. Fire department preliminary assessments suggest the explosion occurred near the center of the building, leading to the collapse of parts of the second floor. Several people are reported to be trapped, and rescue personnel are continuing their search. Footage captured by helicopter by NHK around 6:20 PM shows large sections of the mall's exterior walls peeling off, exposing the steel frame. Parts of the roof have also collapsed, and apparent blast holes are visible, indicating severe structural damage. Many nearby residents witnessed the incident. An employee at a nearby restaurant stated that while cleaning inside, they suddenly heard a loud explosion and then saw a large cloud of dust rising from the direction of Aeon Mall. A taxi driver, not far from the mall at the time, also reported hearing an explosion and seeing fragments of the mall's outer wall being blown away, even affecting vehicles on the nearby road. An employee at a taxi company located about 200 meters north of the mall noted that about 30 to 40 minutes after the earthquake, a loud explosion was heard. Upon going outside to check, they saw gray smoke billowing from the mall. Some store employees inside the mall were fortunate to escape. Staff at a second-floor eyewear store reported that all six employees present had been evacuated before the explosion, and fortunately, no one was injured. A first-floor clothing store also confirmed that all employees had been contacted and were safe. According to the official website of Aeon Mall Kumamoto, the mall opened in October 2005. It covers an area of approximately 224,000 square meters with a total floor area of about 120,000 square meters. It houses facilities such as a supermarket, restaurants, clothing stores, a cinema, and a hot spring. The parking lot can accommodate about 5,000 cars, making it one of the largest commercial facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture. (Editor: Liao Yi-ting)