Massive explosion rocks Japanese shopping mall after 7.1 earthquake; gas leak suspected

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on the afternoon of July 28, 2026. In the aftermath of the seismic event, a significant explosion occurred at the "Aeon Mall Kumamoto," a large shopping center located in Kashima town.

The explosion caused partial collapse in the central area and on the second floor of the building. Authorities are investigating the incident, with initial suspicions pointing towards a gas leak as the cause. Multiple officials noted a strong smell of gas at the scene.

According to TV Asahi, a partner of CNN, one theory suggests that gas equipment used by restaurants within the shopping center may have been damaged by the earthquake. This damage could have led to a gas leak, subsequently igniting and triggering the explosion. However, the exact cause remains under continuous investigation.

Reports indicate that people may still be trapped inside the damaged shopping center. The incident adds to the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake that has affected the region.