New dashcam footage has captured the moment shoppers fled in terror after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake triggered a suspected gas explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, Japan. The video, taken by a passing car, shows debris bursting from the shopping centre onto the road, leaving a large hole in the building's frontage.
Dashcam Footage Shows Terrifying Moment
The dashcam video recorded the mall's facade erupting outward as people ran for safety. Another video taken inside the mall showed panicked locals running amid scattered debris, with the cameraman's shaky hands panning the scene. People could be heard audibly terrified as they fled.
Three Workers Dead, Three Missing
Three mall workers have died and three remain unaccounted for after the earthquake struck on Tuesday morning. Rescue workers and soldiers are combing through the damaged mall and nearby homes in southwestern Japan. The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 18, including one foreigner, and at least 62 people have been injured, six seriously, according to the Kyushu prefectural government.
Gas Leak Suspected but Unconfirmed
According to local reports, rescuers entering the mall noted a smell of gas inside. A TV correspondent at the site said an emergency vehicle urged people not to approach due to a potential leak. However, Minoru Kihara, Japan's top government spokesperson, said the cause has not yet been confirmed and investigations are ongoing. Mr Kihara stated that the mall used liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transported in large canisters rather than a pipeline. Piped and LPG systems are designed to shut down during strong earthquakes or suspected leaks. Aeon's leadership said a gas explosion could not have been foreseen.
Mall Had Survived Previous Quake
The Aeon Mall Kumamoto opened more than 20 years ago and sustained damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. It was then renovated to meet updated Japanese seismic standards. Around 3,000 people were evacuated to a parking lot before the suspected gas explosion occurred in a section where some people were working. The three missing are believed to be employees.
Overall Earthquake Toll Rises
The earthquake has left nearly 34,900 homes without electricity and about 15,000 without running water, according to Kumamoto officials. More than 8,800 people have left their homes to stay in over 400 shelters, where power sources are being added for air conditioning. Aerial police footage showed some homes completely flattened, with a few crumbling into a nearby river. Japan's Self Defense Forces joined rescue operations, along with hundreds of professionals including firefighters from Taiwan.
