This article has a video, apparently taken on the scene with a phone, showing the extent of the destruction at the Aeon Mall. Only physical destruction -- no carnage, but horrifying nonetheless. The report says that 20 to 30 people are unaccounted for.

Hoping for miracles.

Here's a ChatGPT translation of the text:

--- start translation ---
Explosion at AEON Mall Kumamoto; at Least Several People Confirmed Dead

At least several people have been confirmed dead following an explosion at a large shopping mall in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture.

According to the fire department and other authorities, an emergency call was received at around 6:00 p.m. on the 28th reporting white smoke and the sound of an explosion at AEON Mall Kumamoto in Kashima.

Part of the second floor reportedly collapsed.

According to police sources, at least several deaths have been confirmed.

The whereabouts of an estimated 20 to 30 people believed to be mall employees remain unknown. They are thought to be trapped inside the building.

Authorities believe they may have been employees who remained in the mall after customers were evacuated.

Firefighters are working to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped inside.
--- end translation ---

-- Kirk