Tran Van Son, a Vietnamese technical intern working at a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, was killed at his workplace during Tuesday's powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the southwestern Japanese prefecture.
According to initial reports, Son had recently become a father but had not yet had the chance to meet his newborn son. The incident occurred while he was working at the factory when the main quake hit.
The strong earthquake caused significant damage in Kumamoto, with numerous structures damaged and rescue operations launched urgently. Local authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to support the victim's family and manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Vietnamese interns in Japan typically work in factories and plants, facing various risks under demanding working conditions. This incident once again raises questions about occupational safety for foreign workers in Japan, especially as natural disasters occur more frequently.
Representatives from the company where Son worked expressed their condolences and said they would provide full support to the victim's family during repatriation and related legal procedures.
