Two women died in an explosion at a quake-hit shopping mall in Japan after their employer sent them back inside to secure cash. The company has apologised.
Key facts
- Two women workers were killed in an explosion at Aeon Mall.
- The blast followed a powerful earthquake.
- Their employer sent them back into the mall to secure cash.
- The company has apologised for the decision.
Two women have been killed in an explosion at a quake-hit shopping mall in Japan after being sent back inside by their employer, according to the BBC and Al Jazeera.
The women had returned to Aeon Mall to secure cash on the instruction of their employer, the BBC reported. The mall had been damaged in a powerful earthquake before the blast occurred.
According to Al Jazeera, the Japanese company has admitted that the two workers died in the shopping mall explosion that followed the earthquake.
The employer has since apologised for sending the two women back into the building, the BBC reported.
Both outlets confirmed the workers had re-entered the mall specifically to retrieve or secure cash when the fatal explosion took place.
Why it matters
The deaths raise serious questions about worker safety and employer responsibility in the aftermath of natural disasters. The case highlights the risks of sending staff back into damaged buildings before they are declared safe.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the two workers re-enter the mall?
According to the BBC, the two women returned to Aeon Mall to secure cash on the instruction of their employer.
Has the company responded?
Yes. The BBC reported that the employer has apologised, and Al Jazeera reported the company admitted the two workers died in the explosion.
What caused the mall to be dangerous?
The mall had been hit by a powerful earthquake, and an explosion followed at the site, according to the sources.