An unexpected explosion rocked Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan, causing significant disruption to air travel and revealing a dangerous relic from the past.
According to the New York Post, an unexploded U.S. bomb from World War II, which had been buried for approximately 80 years, detonated on Wednesday.
The explosion caused a large crater on one of the airport's taxiways, forcing the cancellation of more than 80 flights. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.
Land and Transport Ministry officials were quick to respond to the situation, assuring the public that there were no aircraft in the vicinity when the bomb exploded.
The Self-Defense Forces and local police conducted a thorough investigation, confirming that a 500-pound U.S. bomb from World War II indeed caused the explosion.
While the immediate danger has passed, authorities are still working to determine what triggered the sudden detonation of the long-dormant explosive.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the media, providing details on the extent of the disruption caused by the explosion. He confirmed that more than 80 flights had been canceled as a result of the incident, affecting thousands of travelers and causing significant logistical challenges for airlines operating out of Miyazaki Airport.
The explosion at Miyazaki Airport has brought attention to the site's historical significance and the challenges posed by its wartime legacy. Built in 1943, the airport originally served as a flight training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy and was a departure point for kamikaze pilots embarking on suicide attack missions.
Given its history, it is perhaps unsurprising that unexploded ordnance has been discovered in the vicinity of the airport. Defense Ministry officials have confirmed that numerous unexploded bombs dropped by U.S. forces during World War II have been unearthed in the area over the years.
This incident is not isolated, as Japan continues to grapple with the dangerous remnants of World War II. Experts estimate that hundreds of tons of unexploded bombs remain buried throughout the country, occasionally surfacing during construction projects or, as in this case, detonating unexpectedly.
Airport authorities are working diligently to assess the damage and implement necessary repairs to the affected taxiway. The crater left by the explosion, reportedly measuring approximately 7 meters in diameter and 1 meter deep, poses a significant challenge to restoration efforts.
Despite the setback, officials remain optimistic about resuming normal operations promptly. The airport has announced its intention to reopen for flights on Thursday morning, pending the completion of safety checks and essential repairs.
This unexpected explosion at Miyazaki Airport has disrupted air travel and created a large crater in a taxiway. The incident was caused by a World War II-era U.S. bomb that had been buried for 80 years. Over 80 flights were canceled, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The airport aims to resume operations soon. This event highlights the ongoing danger of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts and the need for increased vigilance and comprehensive sweep operations to ensure public safety.
