A shopping complex in Kumamoto, Japan—Aeon Mall—has been destroyed again in a recent earthquake, shortly after reopening following reconstruction from a deadly quake a decade earlier. Multiple reports say the mall had been rebuilt after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which had caused major destruction and was associated with fatalities. Just last month, the mall reopened as a new “fresh start,” described as a rebuilt and improved shopping and entertainment complex.
In the days following the reopening, the mall was hit by another major earthquake on Tuesday. Reports describe an explosion at the mall in the immediate aftermath of the quake, and state that the blast caused significant damage to the complex. Fox News reports that up to 30 employees are unaccounted for following the incident, while other outlets focus on the timing of the reopening and the fact that the facility is destroyed again.
Authorities and responders are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake and the explosion, with attention on the extent of damage and the status of those working at the site.
