Aeon Mall Kumamoto explosion: locations of seven victims identified

Details have emerged regarding the locations where the seven victims of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto explosion were discovered. The explosion occurred in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, following the Kumamoto earthquake in July.

According to investigations and interviews with officials, four victims were found near an employee entrance and loading area on the first floor's south side. The remaining three victims were located in the retail area directly above that site on the second floor. The areas where the victims were found sustained particularly severe structural damage.

Reports indicate that the second-floor victims suffered blast injuries from shockwaves, while the causes of death for the seven women included severe internal organ damage and asphyxiation. Among the four victims on the first floor, three are believed to have been crushed by falling concrete from the ceiling. Two other female employees were successfully rescued from an employee passage and a restroom.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with Aeon, have established investigative committees to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent future occurrences.