World War II Bomb Explodes at Japanese Airport, Shakes Aviation Operations

A World War II-era bomb exploded at Miyazaki Airport in Japan, creating a large crater on the taxiway and leading to the cancellation of over 80 flights. The explosion, which caused no injuries, was confirmed to have been caused by a 500-pound US bomb.

An unexploded US bomb from World War II detonated at Miyazaki Airport in Japan on Wednesday, forming a sizable crater on the taxiway and resulting in the cancellation of more than 80 flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, officials stated.

Land and Transport Ministry officials confirmed that the bomb exploded without any aircraft in the vicinity. Investigations by the Self-Defence Forces and police verified that the explosion was from a 500-pound US bomb. They are currently determining the cause of the bomb's sudden detonation.

Video footage from a nearby aviation school captured the blast, showing pieces of asphalt being violently expelled into the air. Broadcasted videos displayed a 7-meter diameter, 3-foot deep crater. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi noted that over 80 flights were canceled, but the airport aims to resume operations by Thursday morning.

(With inputs from agencies.)