Watch: Japanese mall explodes after magnitude 6.8 earthquake
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island on Tuesday, causing a partial collapse and explosion at the Aeon shopping mall. Rescue teams are searching for survivors.
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT) on Tuesday.
The quake caused a partial collapse of the Aeon shopping mall. According to the mall operator, as reported by AFP, the explosion occurred after staff and customers had already evacuated the premises.
Witnesses reported seeing an explosion and smoke at the mall following the earthquake, and said the building's second floor had collapsed.
Search teams are still looking for survivors in the partially collapsed structure. No further details on casualties have been released yet.