Major quake hits southern Japan, workers missing after mall blast
A fresh‑start mall in Kumamoto collapses moments after a powerful quake shakes southern Japan, leaving workers missing and dozens injured.
The brief
The tremor ignited a blast within the mall, and Reuters reported that several workers were unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. Eyewitness videos captured the moment the ground gave way, and Yahoo noted that people were trapped and injured amid the rubble.
Rescue crews are searching for the missing staff while treating the injured, according to the same sources. The incident is drawing close attention from Reuters, The New York Times, Yahoo and the BBC as authorities continue response efforts.
BBC provided video of the moment the quake hit.
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Coverage (5)
- Destroyed Aeon mall had just reopened for 'fresh start' a decade on from deadly quake Reuters · 11h ago
- What to Know About the Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan The New York Times · 11h ago
- People trapped and injured after powerful earthquake strikes Japan Yahoo · 11h ago
- Major quake hits southern Japan, workers missing after mall blast Reuters · 11h ago
- Watch: The moment quake hit Japan BBC News · 13h ago broke it first
Quick answers
Where did the earthquake strike?
The quake hit southern Japan, centred on the Kumamoto region.
What happened to the Aeon mall?
The Aeon mall, which had just reopened a decade after a previous deadly quake, was destroyed by the tremor and a subsequent blast, leaving workers missing.
What are the reported casualties?
Reports say people are trapped and injured, but specific numbers have not been released.
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