World War II landmines explode at airports in Japan

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 9:55 am

A World War II-era bomb has exploded at a regional airport in southwestern Japan. It is believed to have been buried to prevent suicide attacks during World War II.

The sudden bomb blast left a large hole in a taxiway at the airport. As a result, more than 90 flights have been cancelled.

Authorities closed the runway at Miyazaki Airport after the explosion, seven meters (23 feet) wide and one meter (3.2 feet) deep, ripped through the middle of the taxiway next to the runway, according to a Japanese Transport Ministry official.

Video captured by a nearby aviation school showed the explosion spreading like a fountain. Officials said the investigation confirmed that a 500-pound American bomb had detonated. They are also looking into other reasons.

A bomb disposal team from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force said the bomb was American. which was buried beneath the surface. They believe it was hidden during World War II.

Local broadcaster MRT said no casualties were reported in the blast, but live camera footage showed taxis driving nearby just two minutes before the blast.

An official of Japan’s Ministry of Transport said that several unexploded bombs had been found at Miyazaki Airport before.

Unexploded bombs are still being found across Japan, more than 79 years after the end of World War II, the country’s security forces say. In fiscal year 2023, a total of 2,348 bombs weighing 37.5 tons have been defused.