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BBC Breakfast halted for emotional death announcement during live show

BBC Breakfast was interrupted as presenter Jon Kay reported on the devastating Japan earthquake in Kumamoto, confirming at least 13 people have died following the tremor that struck Kyushu island

[Jon Kay and Sally Nugent]

Jon Kay and Sally Nugent(Image: BBC)

Jon Kay interrupted BBC Breakfast to reveal details of a devastating incident that has resulted in multiple fatalities.

The BBC presenter disclosed that at least 13 people have perished in an earthquake that struck the south west of Japan on Tuesday (July 28). He continued: "The country's prime minister said rescuers are now in a race against time. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit inland on Kyushu island at about half past four local time yesterday afternoon, causing power cuts and damage to buildings."

Providing the most recent developments on the unfolding story, BBC correspondent Nick Johnson said: "As morning breaks over Kumamoto, the search for survivors among the devastation continues."

[BBC Breakfast]

Several people were trapped inside a shopping centre after part of the building collapsed(Image: BBC)

He disclosed that several individuals were trapped inside Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto after part of the structure collapsed in an explosion, triggered by the tremor and possibly a gas leak.

Sam Butcher, a teacher from the UK who lives near the shopping centre, said: "It's a very popular spot. Lots of students would go there, teachers as well. Everyone's probably been there at some point or another.", reports the Express.

"It was very busy all day. The atmosphere here is very quiet. The streets are very quiet today, not a lot of people are out."

Nick continued: "Tens of thousands of homes are still without power and rescue teams spend the morning sifting through the ruins of this nearby estate. A number of people are also unaccounted for at a paper factory after the chimney collapsed on top of the building.

"Japan is no stranger to earthquakes. Many of its buildings are designed to withstand tremors. This area's last significant quake was a decade ago and could be a sign of more to come."

[Jon Kay and Sally Nugent]

The hosts delivered the shocking news(Image: BBC)

Dr Ekbal Hussain, from the British Geological Survey, joined via video link and stated they aren't dismissing the chance of a larger earthquake hitting the area, but noted: "In general, we do expect smaller aftershocks to continue for at least the next few days, if not weeks."

Nick added: "As Japan waits for news of more survivors, the country also braces itself for the possibility of more quakes in the days ahead."

Police have issued a warning that "a considerable number of fatalities" are feared at Aeon Mall shopping centre, although the precise death toll has yet to be confirmed.

The earthquake also ignited several fires, halted rail services across Kyushu and grounded flights at Kumamoto Airport while runway checks were conducted.

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