Explosion Rocks Japan Mall After 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake; Several Trapped, Injured

July 28, 2026

Tokyo: An explosion ripped through Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, leaving several people trapped and injured just hours after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the region and prompted a tsunami warning.

Authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation after receiving reports that part of the shopping mall had collapsed following the blast.

Rescue Operations Underway

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, a section of the second floor of Aeon Mall Kumamoto collapsed, with multiple people believed to be trapped inside.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, while injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or the severity of the injuries.

Explosion Followed Powerful Earthquake

Police and fire authorities said they received multiple emergency calls around 6 p.m. local time, reporting a loud explosion and white smoke rising from the shopping complex.

The blast occurred after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture at around 4:27 p.m. local time. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres, causing intense shaking across the region.

Aerial footage showed extensive structural damage, including collapsed sections of the roof, peeled-off exterior walls and a large hole visible on the rooftop.

Tsunami Warning Issued

Following the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a one-metre tsunami warning for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea in southwestern Japan.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations at the mall while investigators work to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the blast was directly linked to the earthquake.

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