Two women who died in an explosion at an Aeon shopping mall were instructed by their employer to re-enter the building before the blast occurred, Kyodo News reported on August 3, 2026.
According to sources, the victims were employees working in the affected area. Their employer told them to go back inside after initial signs of trouble emerged, which prevented them from escaping in time when the explosion happened.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the blast as well as the management's responsibility for ensuring employee safety. The incident has shocked the public and raised questions about safety procedures at major shopping malls.
Kyodo News added that the victims' identities have not yet been officially released, and the investigation is ongoing.
