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A World War II-era bomb exploded near the runway at Miyazaki Airport in southwest Japan on Wednesday, causing a significant disruption to air travel. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:58 AM local time, resulted in the airport's closure and the cancellation of 87 flights. The incident highlights the persistent danger posed by unexploded ordnance from the war, despite decades having passed since its conclusion.
The explosion created a crater measuring seven meters in diameter and one meter in depth on the taxiway, adjacent to the runway. A bomb disposal team from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force quickly determined that the cause of the blast was a buried American bomb, likely dating back to wartime air raids. The bomb, estimated to be a 500-pound device, detonated unexpectedly, sending pieces of asphalt into the air like a fountain.
Miyazaki Airport, which was originally constructed in 1943 as a training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy, has a history of encountering unexploded bombs. The airport served as a launching point for kamikaze pilots during the war, and numerous bombs dropped by the US military have been unearthed in the area over the years. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of dealing with the legacy of the war, as hundreds of tons of unexploded ordnance remain buried throughout Japan.
Authorities have confirmed that the explosion was an isolated incident and that there is no danger of further explosions. The airport is expected to reopen by Thursday morning after repair work is completed to fill the crater caused by the blast. While no injuries were reported, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with the presence of unexploded bombs from past conflicts. The incident has also highlighted the need for continued vigilance and careful planning in addressing the ongoing threat posed by these remnants of war.
The event has sparked renewed attention to the issue of unexploded ordnance in Japan. The government has implemented various measures to address the problem, including training programs for bomb disposal experts and ongoing efforts to identify and safely remove unexploded bombs from populated areas. However, the discovery of bombs in unexpected locations, such as the recent incident at Miyazaki Airport, underscores the challenge of ensuring public safety in the face of this enduring legacy.
Source: Japan airport shut after likely WW2-era bomb explodes near runway