Incident Overview

In a startling incident at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan, an unexploded U.S. bomb from World War II detonated on Wednesday, creating a substantial crater on a taxiway and leading to the cancellation of over 80 flights. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, according to Japanese officials.

Details of the Explosion

Officials from the Land and Transport Ministry stated that the blast occurred without any aircraft in the vicinity, which averted potential disaster. Upon investigation, the Self-Defense Forces and local police identified the explosive as a 500-pound bomb from the war, assuring the public that there was no additional threat. They are currently probing the reasons behind the bomb's unexpected detonation.

Witness Accounts and Damage

Video footage captured by a nearby aviation school vividly depicted the explosion, which sent chunks of asphalt soaring into the air. News broadcasts showcased the damage, revealing a crater approximately 7 meters (about 23 yards) in diameter and 1 meter (3 feet) deep on the taxiway.

Impact on Flights

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that the airport had to cancel more than 80 flights, with hopes to resume operations by Thursday morning.

Historical Context

It’s important to note that Miyazaki Airport has historic significance, having been established in 1943 as a training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy, from which kamikaze pilots launched their fateful missions.

Ongoing Threat of Unexploded Ordnance

This incident is a stark reminder that remnants of World War II continue to pose risks in Japan. Defense Ministry officials have indicated that numerous unexploded ordnance remains buried throughout the country, with discoveries often made during construction work. The potential for further incidents raises concerns about public safety and the need for thorough investigations and removal processes of such ordnance.

Future Coverage

Stay tuned as we follow this breaking story and explore the implications of this unexpected blast on Japan's aviation and safety protocols.