Two Japanese Workers Die After Entering Earthquake-Hit Mall To Retrieve Cash

Two workers died after re-entering an earthquake-damaged shopping mall in Japan on the instructions of their supervisor to retrieve the day’s cash takings, according to reports. The incident occurred following a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, claiming 38 lives, including seven fatalities linked to the affected Aeon Mall.

One of the victims was identified as 22-year-old Kurumi Otake, while the identity of the second employee has not been disclosed. According to reports, both workers had safely evacuated the building after helping customers reach safety during the earthquake. They later returned to the mall after being instructed to secure the store’s cash in a safe.

The workers reportedly entered the building at around 5:35 pm local time, shortly after the initial evacuation. A suspected gas explosion occurred inside the damaged mall, resulting in their deaths. The incident has drawn attention to workplace safety decisions made during emergencies and the risks associated with re-entering structurally affected buildings.

Also Read: Death Toll From Japan's Kumamoto Earthquake Increases To 38

Goji Yuse, sales director of the general goods retailer Habita, acknowledged that he had instructed the employees to retrieve the money and later apologised for the decision. He described the instruction as inappropriate and expressed regret, saying that no amount of money was worth the loss of a life. A relative of Kurumi Otake also said the tragedy could have been avoided had she not been asked to return inside the building.

Habita, established in 1976, operates more than ten stores across several prefectures in Japan. Authorities are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the broader investigation into the disaster and workplace safety procedures followed during the emergency.

Japan is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several major tectonic plates meet. The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year, most of them minor, although stronger tremors can cause significant damage depending on their magnitude, depth and location.

Also Read: Kumamoto Earthquake Claims 34 Lives, Thousands Remain In Shelters