- An earthquake hit Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, leading to significant aftershocks and a gas explosion.
- By the end of Tuesday, more than 100 aftershocks had occurred in Kumamoto.
- About 170 soldiers were deployed to assist with rescue operations at the site.
- Yoshida confirmed that while all customers were evacuated, some employees remained inside when the explosion occurred.
- Yoshida indicated that the possibility the explosion was caused by gas was “very high”, but thorough investigations were needed.
- Witnesses described the explosion as creating a large cloud of smoke that felt like volcanic ash falling around them.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, on July 28, 2026, leading to a chaotic scene at the Aeon Mall where an explosion occurred shortly after the quake.1
Three fatalities were confirmed among eight individuals rescued from the mall's wreckage, which had been partially collapsed.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue efforts as a “race against time” to save those trapped.
170 soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue operations, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported a large cloud of smoke billowing from the mall, with debris scattered across the parking lot.6
Aeon President Akio Yoshida stated that staff successfully evacuated 3,000 shoppers within half an hour of the quake, although some employees remained inside, leading to tragic outcomes.4
The mall had recently reopened after extensive renovations following a previous earthquake in 2016, which had emphasized its seismically reinforced ceilings and safety improvements.
Yoshida noted that the possibility of the explosion being caused by gas was “very high”, but further investigations are necessary to determine the exact cause.5
By the end of Tuesday, more than 100 aftershocks had been recorded in the region, complicating rescue efforts and raising concerns about further damage.2
“Witnesses described the explosion at the Aeon mall as creating a large cloud of smoke resembling volcanic ash. Yoshida confirmed that while all customers were evacuated, some employees remained inside, and he indicated that the possibility the explosion was caused by gas was 'very high'.”
