US Bomb From World War II Explodes At Japan Airport

A World War II-era U.S. bomb exploded at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, October 2, causing a large crater on a taxiway and disrupting operations at the airport.

The explosion, which has been confirmed by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and police to be from a 500-pound bomb, led to the cancellation of over 80 flights but fortunately resulted in no injuries, according to CBS News and the Associated Press.

The blast occurred nearly 80 years after the end of World War II in 1945, a conflict that left behind numerous unexploded bombs across Japan.

According to Reuters, 2,348 bombs have been found and safely disposed of in 2023 alone. The airport itself was once a base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, established in 1943, and was the starting point for several kamikaze missions during the war, as reported by The Japan Times.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that authorities are investigating the cause of the detonation but reassured the public that there is no immediate threat of further explosions. The airport is expected to return to normal operations by Thursday, October 3, while police continue to monitor the situation to ensure safety.

Featured Image: AP