WWII Bomb Detonates After 80 Years Buried at Japan Airport, Disrupting Flights

An unexploded bomb from World War II detonated at Miyazaki Airport on Wednesday, disrupting operations and leading to the cancellation of more than 80 flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Airport Blast Linked to WWII Bomb Causes Major Disruption

The explosion, which occurred on a taxiway, left a large crater and forced authorities to halt airport activity. Miyazaki Airport was originally built in 1943 as a training base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, where kamikaze pilots once began their final missions. There were no aircraft near the blast when it occurred.

“There is no threat of a second explosion, and police and firefighters are currently examining the scene,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, reassuring the public.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and police identified the bomb as a 500-pound relic from U.S. military actions during World War II. The cause of its sudden detonation is still under investigation. Footage from a nearby aviation school showed debris flying into the air, illustrating the bomb’s powerful impact. The crater left by the explosion was reported to be about 7 yards wide and 3 feet deep.

NEW: WW2 bomb explodes at a Japanese airport after being buried for 80 years.

The explosion caused a massive crater and led to 80 canceled flights at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan.

The 20-foot wide crater was caused by a 500-pound WW2 bomb.

It’s unclear why exactly… pic.twitter.com/8x7SIpYazp

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 2, 2024

Ongoing Danger of Unexploded Ordnance and Emergency Response

Emergency services were alerted at 7:59 a.m. when smoke was reported near the taxiway. Firefighters and police quickly responded, prioritizing the safety of the airport and its surrounding areas. Authorities aim to reopen the airport by Thursday morning.

Unexploded ordnance remains an ongoing issue in Japan, a country that was heavily bombed during the war. Many such bombs, buried for decades, are still being discovered, often during construction work. From 2009 to 2011, similar bombs were unearthed in the same region. According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, hundreds of tons of unexploded bombs are found every year. In fiscal year 2023 alone, 2,348 bombs, weighing a total of 41 tons, were safely disposed of by the Self-Defense Forces.

This issue is not confined to Japan. In a related event, a World War II bomb exploded unexpectedly in England, highlighting the ongoing threat from leftover wartime explosives. Decades after the war, countries continue to face the challenge of safely managing these deadly remnants.