Two workers who lost their lives in a shopping‑mall explosion following a powerful earthquake in Japan were asked by a boss to re‑enter the damaged structure to secure cash.
In the aftermath of the 6.8‑magnitude quake that struck Kumamoto prefecture on 28‑July, the Aeon Mall’s roof collapsed and an explosion tore through the building still occupied by some employees about an hour after the earthquake. Fourteen workers were present when the blast occurred, two of whom died before the authorities could render assistance.
The victims were employed by the general goods store, Habita, which has apologised for the “loss of two precious lives.” One man of the deceased was identified in local reports as 22‑year‑old Kurumi Otake; the other worker’s identity has not been made public.
Otake’s family said she had been told by the company that she must return to the store to move money from the cash register into a safe. She walked back inside the ruined premises and was struck by the blast. She had previously been seen meeting a relative outside the mall for support following the quake.
Habita’s sales director, Goji Yuse, has expressed remorse for the instructions given and said that “it was not worth a life.” He has confirmed that the organisation is reviewing its procedures after the incident.
Fans of the shop had praised Otake for her strong sense of justice, citing her support for her mother after her father’s death three years prior. An image of the damaged building shows the Aeon Mall sagging to one side with debris scattered across the shopping centre floor.
Habita, founded in 1976 and operating more than ten stores across several prefectures, said it was “considering how to proceed with the matter” following the deaths. The company’s apology was formalised at the funeral of Otake, held on Sunday, where representatives addressed her family and spoke of regrettable decisions taken in crisis.
While most of the Aeon Mall’s patrons were able to evacuate in the immediate wake of the earthquake, a number of employees remained inside a close hour later when the explosion ripped through the centre. Local media relating to the incident reported that fatalities have occurred across the region, and the tragedy has spurred debate on safety protocols in disaster situations.
