KUMAMOTO (TR) – The president of a cosmetics company has apologized to the family of a female employee who was killed in an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto last month, admitting the woman was instructed to re-enter the building after an earthquake to secure the store’s cash, reports the Nishi Nippon Shimbun (Aug. 2).
Kurumi Ohtake died after being caught in the blast on July 28. Following an initial earthquake, Otake had successfully evacuated outside the mall. However, she returned to the variety store where she worked to put the day’s sales into a safe, and was subsequently killed in the explosion.
During a wake held in Kumamoto City on Sunday, the president of Habita, Otake’s employer, attended to offer his condolences and formally admitted to the controversial instruction.
“I deeply apologize to the bereaved family,” the president said.
A sales manager for the company also commented on the directive, stating, “I told her, ‘If possible, could you put the sales money in the safe, if you are able to go in.'”
Relatives of the victim expressed devastation over the tragedy, pointing to Otake’s strong work ethic as the reason she followed the dangerous order.
“She was a bright, serious, and responsible girl who was liked by everyone. Honestly, I have no words,” a family member said. “She told us she had to go back to the store once because the company told her to put the sales money in the safe. Because she was so responsible, I think she went right back in when the company told her to.”
The company has stated it will conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal instruction.
