Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:18 am GMT
On Wednesday, a 500-pound bomb from World War II erupted at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan, triggering a large crater in a taxiway and leading to the cancellation of over 80 flights. Fortunately, there were no injuries, as no aircraft were in the vicinity during the incident. This explosion adds to concerns about unexploded ordnance left from the war that continue to pose risks across Japan.
Details of the Incident
The explosion left a crater about 7 meters (23 feet) wide and 1 meter (3 feet) deep in the taxiway, as confirmed by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Eyewitness videos captured pieces of asphalt being thrown into the air, resembling a fountain of debris. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi assured the public that there was no ongoing threat of another explosion, emphasizing the site was being thoroughly examined by experts. The airport is expected to reopen operations by Thursday morning.
A Historical Context
Miyazaki Airport, built in 1943, was originally a flight training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy, where kamikaze pilots launched on their missions. The bomb that detonated is believed to have been dropped during wartime efforts aimed at diminishing threats from kamikaze attacks. In fact, unexploded ordnance from the era is a known issue across Japan; it remains buried and occasionally resurfaces, particularly at construction sites. Reports indicate that 2,348 bombs, weighing a total of 41 tonnes, were disposed of just last year.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
In the wake of the explosion, government officials are investigating the cause of the bomb’s sudden detonation. Disaster management protocols are in place, and the Land and Transport Ministry is closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. Videos and images of the blast aftermath have illustrated the impact effectively, showing the extent of the damage.
- No injuries reported from the incident.
- The explosion occurred shortly after a passenger plane had passed.
- More than 80 flights were cancelled due to the blast.
Legacy of World War II Ordnance
Japan continues to grapple with the legacy of World War II, particularly concerning unexploded bombs. Numerous sites remain where these bombs are still buried, posing risks to construction and everyday life. For instance, the local media noted the discovery of unexploded ordnance at nearby construction sites in 2009 and 2011.
With the recent explosion serving as a stark reminder, officials are calling for increased vigilance and improved measures to dispose of these remnants of history safely. The incident has revived discussions on how to handle the threat posed by these unexploded devices effectively.
Conclusion
The explosion at Miyazaki Airport shows that there are still hidden dangers from Japan’s past. Even though the immediate danger has been handled safely, there is still a worry about old bombs that haven’t gone off. To keep everyone safe, we need strong emergency plans and constant work to find and remove these dangerous items. This will help make the air and land safer for all of us.
