‘Like volcanic ash falling’: Inside Aeon mall after Japan’s earthquake

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Tuesday, leading to a catastrophic explosion at the Aeon mall. Shoppers and staff described the scene as chaotic, with debris showering the area like volcanic ash. Rescue teams have worked through the night to pull survivors from the wreckage of the partially collapsed building.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi labeled the recovery effort a race against time. Approximately 170 soldiers are currently assisting with search operations. While 3,000 people were initially evacuated, three fatalities have been confirmed, and three store employees remain unaccounted for as of Wednesday morning. First responders continue to navigate the site with caution due to the threat of structural failure from persistent aftershocks.

Aeon President Akio Yoshida indicated that a gas leak is the most probable cause for the explosion. The mall had recently undergone significant seismic retrofitting following damage sustained during a previous major earthquake in 2016. Management noted they did not anticipate an explosion of this magnitude and are cooperating with investigators to determine why individuals remained inside after the initial evacuation order.

Local reports confirm that all 25 cats from a tenant cafe were recovered safely by rescuers. Police and firefighters are managing the site while dealing with over 100 aftershocks recorded in the region since the primary quake. Investigation teams are currently verifying gas lines and structural integrity to explain why the building failed in this specific way.