Japanese mall had just reopened before earthquake and explosion

The Aeon Kumamoto mall, a symbol of resilience and a fresh start for the region, was devastated by a deadly explosion Tuesday, just weeks after its grand reopening. The mall had only just welcomed shoppers back on June 13, following extensive repairs and a decade of rebuilding after suffering severe damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. That devastating quake claimed 270 lives and forced the mall into prolonged closure and reconstruction.

Tragically, the renewed hope was short-lived. About an hour after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, an explosion ripped through the shopping complex. The blast, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, led to the collapse of ceilings and walls, trapping several people inside. At least two women in their 20s were confirmed dead in the mall disaster, according to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

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Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and this is a race against time.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the situation as a race against time, with rescue efforts underway for those still potentially trapped. While eight people were rescued, five with injuries, the exact number of those inside remained unclear as emergency services struggled to find a safe entry route. The mall, which housed around 200 stores, a cinema, and a large parking lot, was reduced to rubble, a stark contrast to its recent grand reopening aimed at a new stage of growth.

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The explosion occurred after the customers and staff had evacuated.