**Two Workers Killed in Explosion After Returning to Earthquake-Damaged Mall on Employer's Orders**
Kumamoto, Japan – A tragic incident unfolded at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto following a powerful earthquake on July 28, resulting in the deaths of two employees who re-entered the building on their employer's directive. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which struck the region, has been linked to the deaths of at least 38 individuals, seven of whom were associated with the mall.
The deceased workers were employed by Habita, a general goods store operating within the mall. According to reports, the employees were instructed by their supervisor to return to the premises to secure cash from the registers after the earthquake had caused significant damage. The company has since expressed deep remorse over the incident, with Habita's sales director, Goji Yuse, acknowledging that the instructions given to the employees were "inappropriate."
One of the victims has been identified as 22-year-old Kurumi Otake. Her family recounted that she had just encountered a relative outside the mall after the earthquake when she received the order to go back inside. Otake informed her relative that she needed to retrieve money from the cash register to place it in a safe. This account was corroborated by representatives from Habita, who attended her wake to offer their condolences and apologies to the family.
Yuse stated, "Looking back now, it was not worth a life," reflecting on the gravity of the decision that led to the workers' return to the hazardous environment. The other victim's identity has not yet been disclosed.
Otake's family described her as a person with a strong sense of justice, noting that she had been a source of support for her mother following the death of her father three years prior. Her mother expressed profound grief, stating, "My daughter is not coming back," highlighting the emotional toll of the incident on the family.
As the community mourns the loss of the two young workers, questions arise regarding workplace safety protocols and the responsibilities of employers in emergency situations. Habita, founded in 1976, operates over ten stores across various prefectures in Japan and now faces scrutiny regarding its emergency response procedures.
The explosion occurred approximately one hour after the earthquake, when most individuals had evacuated the mall, raising concerns about the safety measures in place for employees during such crises. The incident has sparked discussions on the need for better training and guidelines for businesses operating in disaster-prone areas.
As investigations continue, the local community and the families of the victims seek answers and accountability for the tragic loss of life that could have potentially been avoided.