People trapped, injured after blast triggers floor collapse at Kumamoto mall following powerful 7.1 quake in Japan

People trapped, injured after blast triggers floor collapse at Kumamoto mall following powerful 7.1 quake in Japan



The exterior wall of a shop is seen collapsed in an earthquake, in Kumamoto City July 28, 2026. An explosion struck a large shopping centre in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, today, leaving multiple people trapped and injured. — Jiji Press/AFP pic


Summary

• An explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, caused significant structural damage and left several individuals trapped and injured.
• The incident, which followed a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in the region, led to the partial collapse of the mall's second floor.
• Firefighters are actively conducting rescue operations, with injured persons being transported to hospitals, though details regarding the number and severity of injuries remain undisclosed.
• The cause of the explosion, which involved a loud sound and smoke, is currently under investigation.

First Published: Tuesday, 28 Jul 2026 7:52 PM MYT
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28 Jul 2026 8:07 PM MYT


TOKYO, July 28 — An explosion struck a large shopping centre in Kashima Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, today, leaving multiple people trapped and injured, Xinhua reported, citing public broadcaster NHK.

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, information received from the local fire department indicated that part of Aeon Mall Kumamoto’s second floor had collapsed, with numerous people believed to be trapped inside.


Firefighters were working to assess the situation and carry out rescue operations, the report said.


The agency also said that injured people had been transported to hospitals, although the number and severity of the injuries had not yet been disclosed.


Police and fire authorities said they received multiple emergency calls at around 6pm local time reporting an explosion-like sound and white smoke rising from Aeon Mall Kumamoto.


Aerial footage filmed by an NHK helicopter at around 6.20pm showed severe damage to the structure. Sections of the building’s exterior wall had peeled away, exposing steel framework, while part of the roof appeared to have collapsed. A large hole was also visible on the rooftop.

The explosion occurred after a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture earlier in the day. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Kashima Town is believed to have experienced shaking of at least lower 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, although the exact level has yet to be confirmed.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. — Bernama-Xinhua