An unexploded bomb from World War II buried beneath Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan unexpectedly detonated on Wednesday, creating a large crater and forcing the cancellation of more than 80 flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Japanese officials.
The explosion occurred on a taxiway, and officials from the Land and Transport Ministry confirmed that no aircraft were nearby at the time of the blast. A subsequent investigation by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and police identified the explosive as a 500-pound U.S. bomb. Authorities reassured the public that there was no further danger and are investigating the cause of the bomb’s sudden detonation.
Footage from a nearby aviation school captured the moment of the explosion, showing pieces of asphalt being hurled into the air. Videos broadcast on Japanese television revealed a crater approximately 7 meters wide and nearly 1 meter deep in the taxiway.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that over 80 flights were cancelled due to the incident, but airport operations are expected to resume on Thursday morning.
Miyazaki Airport, originally built in 1943 as a training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy, has a history linked to kamikaze missions during World War II. The area has seen the discovery of unexploded bombs from U.S. air raids, and officials note that unexploded ordnance from the war continues to be found across Japan, often unearthed during construction projects.
Key Points:
Unexploded WWII Bomb Detonation: A buried U.S. bomb from World War II exploded at Miyazaki Airport, southwestern Japan, creating a large crater but causing no injuries.
Flight Disruptions: Over 80 flights were cancelled due to the explosion, with airport operations expected to resume the following day.
Bomb Investigation: The explosion was caused by a 500-pound U.S. bomb, confirmed by the Self-Defense Forces and police. The cause of the sudden detonation is under investigation.
Historical Context: Miyazaki Airport, built in 1943 as a former Imperial Japanese Navy flight training field, has a history of kamikaze missions, with unexploded WWII bombs frequently unearthed in the area.
