2 victims of Kumamoto mall explosion told by employer to return to store after evacuation

Two employees of the variety store Habita, located at Aeon Mall Kumamoto, died in an explosion that occurred after an earthquake on July 28. The company has since apologized to the bereaved families, admitting that its directive led the employees back into the building.

Kurumi Otake, a 22-year-old employee, was among the victims. According to Otake's family, Habita representatives attended her wake on August 2 and offered their apologies. The company acknowledged that employees, including Otake, had already evacuated the mall following the earthquake but were instructed by the store's operator to return inside to transfer cash proceeds to the safe.

At the time of the earthquake, the mall housed approximately 3,000 customers and between 1,300 to 1,500 workers. Most had evacuated within 30 minutes of the tremor. However, some employees, following company instructions, re-entered the building and were subsequently caught in the explosion.

In total, seven people, including the two Habita employees, lost their lives in the blast at the mall in Kashima, Kumamoto prefecture. Habita, founded in 1976, operates 15 variety stores across Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Saga, and other prefectures. A relative of Otake stated, "The fact that the truth has come to light is a step forward," indicating a desire for accountability.

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The fact that the truth has come to light is a step forward.