KUMAMOTO (TR) – Following the devastating Kumamoto earthquakes that have claimed 36 lives so far, the grieving family of a 22-year-old woman killed in a shopping mall explosion has revealed she died after being instructed by her employer to return to the building to secure the store’s cash, reports Kumamoto News (Aug. 1).
Kurumi Ohtake, an employee at a tenant shop inside the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in the town of Kashima, initially survived the powerful tremors and had safely evacuated the premises.
However, according to a male relative, Ohtake told others outside that she had received “company instructions to put the sales money into the safe.” She subsequently re-entered the structurally compromised mall to follow the orders.
Approximately five minutes later, an explosion ripped through the facility, killing her.
“She had evacuated once, so no one could have imagined that Kurumi would be caught in an explosion and die,” the relative told reporters, expressing his heartbreak and disbelief. “It is unspeakable. I have no words.”
He described Ohtake as a “truly bright, honest, and friendly girl who was loved by everyone.”
Now, the devastated family is demanding answers and accountability from the company regarding the fatal directive that cost the young woman her life.
“We have requested that they speak properly with the tenant company and bring the absolute truth to light,” the relative said.
