Japan mall rebuilt after deadly 2016 earthquake destroyed in major temblor weeks after 'fresh start' reopening

close Video Surveillance video shows trucks shaking during Japan earthquake Video from a surveillance camera shows stationary trucks shaking after an earthquake hit Kumamoto, Japan. (Credit: Reuters) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 3 Min A shopping mall in southern Japan that had just reopened after years of reconstruction following a devastating earthquake" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="173590" data-entity-type="event">2016 earthquake was destroyed Tuesday after a powerful earthquake struck the region and was followed by a massive explosion, leaving dozens of workers unaccounted for. The Aeon Mall in Kumamoto Prefecture celebrated its grand reopening on June 13 after years of rebuilding meant to mark the region's recovery from the 2016 disaster. Just weeks later, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near Kumamoto, according to FOX Weather, citing the U.S. Geological Survey. Japan's Meteorological Agency measured the same quake at magnitude 7.1 using its own seismic scale. earthquake SHAKES PERU'S ANDES REGION, KILLING AT LEAST 5, DISPLACING HUNDREDS An aerial view shows a collapsed chimney at Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro Mill after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Yatsushiro, July 28, 2026. (yodo/via Reuters/TPX Images of the Day) About 200 shoppers were safely evacuated after the earthquake, officials said. Roughly an hour later, a powerful explosion ripped through the building, blowing off exterior walls and exposing its steel framework. NHK reported that about 20 to 30 mall employees remained unaccounted for, while police said rescuers could not immediately enter because of the risk of aftershocks. The mall had become one of the most visible symbols of Kumamoto's recovery after the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that devastated the region in April 2016. Aeon said the redevelopment included seismic reinforcements and other safety improvements designed to make the complex more resilient. Witnesses reported smelling gas before the explosion, according to Reuters. An Aeon spokesperson said employees immediately helped evacuate visitors after the quake, while prefectural officials confirmed about 200 people were guided safely outside before the blast. EXCLUSIVE: FRANKLIN GRAHAM VISITS EMERGENCY HOSPITAL TREATING VENEZUELA earthquake VICTIMS The damaged Aeon Mall shopping centre, where, according to local media, an explosion occurred after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kashima Town, July 28, 2026. (Kyodo/via Reuters) According to FOX Weather, the earthquake struck just before 4:30 p.m. local time about 9 miles north of Kumamoto at a depth of roughly 6 miles. Japan's Meteorological Agency briefly issued and later lifted a tsunami advisory for parts of Kyushu. NHK reported at least 50 people were injured, while Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said the quake sparked at least eight fires. Kumamoto Airport also temporarily closed. Reuters reported the mall welcomed more than 8 million visitors annually after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. opened a factory nearby in 2024. The complex housed about 200 stores, a movie theater and parking for roughly 5,000 vehicles. It also became known locally after a supermarket inside sold 10-yen onigiri to help survivors following the earthquake" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="173590" data-entity-type="event">2016 earthquake. Rescue workers conduct a search and rescue operation at the damaged Aeon Mall in Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kashima Town, July 28, 2026. (Credit: Japan Out via Reuters) When the mall reopened in June, Aeon described the project as a "'re-start' initiative" marking both the shopping center's 21st anniversary and the region's recovery from the earthquake" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="173590" data-entity-type="event">2016 earthquake. As night fell Tuesday, rescue operations remained on hold because of continuing aftershocks as families awaited word on the employees still believed to be inside. Jasmine Baehr is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, legal debates surrounding life and family policy, as well as faith and culture.