Key Takeaways:
– A WWII-era US bomb exploded at Miyazaki Airport, Japan, causing a large crater and no injuries.
– Over 80 flights were cancelled as a result of the explosion.
– The Self-Defense Forces and police confirmed the bomb’s origin, ruling out any further danger.
– Operation resumption at the airport is expected by Thursday.
Unanticipated Blast Draws Attention
In an unforeseen event at Japan’s Miyazaki Airport, an unexploded bomb from World War II detonated this Wednesday, causing a significant crater in a taxiway. In the wake of the explosion, Japanese officials have reported that no injuries were sustained, but over 80 flights were cancelled.
Detonation Causes Disruptions, Yet Poses No Further Threats
There were fortunately no aircraft in the immediate vicinity when the sudden blast occurred. A comprehensive investigation spearheaded by the Self-Defense Forces and local police confirmed that a 500-pound U.S. bomb was the cause of the explosion. They further emphasized that there’s no longer any threat of further danger, as they’re currently probing the catalyst for the unexpected detonation.
The Blast Effect and Aftermath
The magnitude of the explosion was captured in a video by a nearby aviation school. The footage displayed a geyser of asphalt caused by the blast. Follow up broadcasts on Japanese television displayed images of a substantial void in the taxiway, reported to measure approximately seven yards in diameter and three feet in depth.
According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the repercussions of the blast forced the cancellation of more than 80 flights at the airport. However, an optimistic outlook sees operations resuming by Thursday morning. Hayashi assured that all necessary measures are being taken, stating, “There is no threat of a second explosion, and police and firefighters are currently examining the scene.”
Additional Background to the Situation
Miyazaki Airport was initially established in 1943 as an Imperial Japanese Navy flight training field. It’s of historical significance as the original take-off point for some kamikaze pilots embarking on suicide missions during the war.
Unexploded Ordinance: A Recurring Issue
According to Defense Ministry officials, unexploded bombs dropped by the US military during World War II have been sporadically found in the area around Miyazaki Airport. Other explosive remnants have previously been discovered around nearby construction zones in 2009 and 2011, indicating a recurring issue.
Across Japan, remnants of war in the form of unexploded bombs remain buried and are often inadvertently encountered during construction. A staggering 2,348 bombs, totaling 41 tons, were safely disposed of in the fiscal year 2023.
Lessons Learnt
The unexpected detonation is a stark reminder of the hidden remnants of war that silently pose potential risks even after several decades. While there were thankfully no casualties in this instance at Miyazaki Airport, the disruption highlights the importance of comprehensive searches for other unexploded ordnance at locations with a known military history. The authorities have been alerted and will actively work to mitigate any similar incidents in the future.