Mall collapses in Japan after 7.1-magnitude earthquake with people trapped

A mall has partially collapsed leaving shoppers trapped inside after a large 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto in Japan on Tuesday.

The earthquake, on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, hit in the afternoon and was followed by reports of an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima. Aerial photos showed the partially destroyed building, with the exterior wall no longer visible and framework exposed beneath.

There have been no reported casualties but Japanese broadcaster NHK World reported that fire officials said the second floor of the building had collapsed and left people trapped inside. Aeon told the broadcaster that customers had been evacuated.

Police told AFP that they were aware of reports of an explosion but provided no further information.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.