Tragic Explosion in Japan Mall Kills Two Workers

Two workers died in an explosion at a Japan mall after being asked to re-enter for cash, following a powerful earthquake that killed 38.

In a tragic turn of events, two workers lost their lives in an explosion that occurred in a shopping mall in Japan following a powerful earthquake. The unfortunate incident took place when the two employees were ordered by their boss to re-enter the Aeon Mall to secure cash from the cash register.

On July 28, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture, causing widespread devastation and claiming a total of 38 lives. Seven of those fatalities were reported to be from inside Aeon Mall. The company employing the deceased workers, Habita, has publicly expressed regret over the loss of these two lives.

Goji Yuse, the sales director of Habita, stated that the instructions given at that time were “inappropriate, and I truly regret them.” One of the victims has been identified as 22-year-old Kurumi Otake, while the identity of the other deceased worker has not been disclosed.

Otake reportedly encountered a family member outside the mall shortly after the earthquake, sharing her intention to return to the building to move money into a safe as per her employer’s instructions. This interaction was confirmed by company representatives who attended Otake’s wake to express their condolences to her family.

Reflecting on the decision to send employees back into a dangerous situation, Yuse remarked, “Looking back now, it was not worth a life.” The family’s grief was palpable, with Otake’s mother commenting through local media, “My daughter is not coming back,” highlighting the profound impact of their loss.

Although most individuals in the Aeon Mall evacuated shortly after the earthquake, some workers remained inside. Tragically, an explosion occurred about an hour later, leading to the fatalities. Otake was remembered by a relative as someone with a “strong sense of justice” who had been supporting her family after her father’s passing three years ago.

With Habita founded in 1976 and operating over ten stores across various prefectures, the incident has raised questions about workplace safety and the responsibilities of employers during emergencies.