Fukuoka Sanso Says Kumamoto Mall Blast Possibly From Quake-Damaged Pipes; 7 Dead, 5 Injured
Fukuoka Sanso, a gas company with operations in Kyushu and Yamaguchi, reported that an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto on July 28 may have been caused by earthquake-damaged pipes, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The blast, which followed a magnitude-7 tremor, killed seven mall employees and injured five others. On August 5, the company filed a report under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has asked industry groups to ensure LP gas equipment in buildings used by the general public meets technical standards.
The report said the specific cause has not yet been determined and that a detailed investigation is under way. Fukuoka Sanso, a gas company with operations in Kyushu and Yamaguchi and headquarters in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, submitted the explosion report to the Kyushu Industrial Safety Supervision Department via Kumamoto Prefecture. The explosion occurred at around 5:50 p. m. on July 28, when a maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Kumamoto Prefecture. The blast killed seven employees at Aeon Mall Kumamoto and left five others with minor injuries. Fukuoka Sanso reported the explosion on August 5 under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act and other regulations. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it will continue to investigate the cause. In response to the explosion, on August 5 the ministry asked industry groups to have suppliers confirm that equipment supplying LP gas to buildings used by the general public, such as schools, hospitals, and theaters, complies with technical standards.