Miyazaki Airport to Begin Emergency Investigation for Unexploded WWII Bombs on October 16th
Miyazaki, Japan – Following the detonation of an unexplodedordnance (UXO) at Miyazaki Airport on October 2nd, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has announced thatan emergency investigation will commence at the airport on the evening of October 16th. The investigation will be conducted simultaneously with the repair work at the site of the explosion.
The incident, believed to be caused by a UXO dropped by the US military during World War II, occurred on a taxiway connecting to the runway. The MLIT has decided to conduct emergency investigations at five airports across Japan, includingMiyazaki, Sendai, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, and Naha, all of which are located on former Japanese military facilities where UXOs have been previously discovered.
The investigation at Miyazaki Airport will initially focus on the area surrounding the explosion site. Subsequent investigations are planned for the runway, taxiways, and apron at a later date.
The MLIT’s decision to initiate these investigations comes after the recent incident highlighted the potential danger posed by UXOs at airports across Japan. The investigation at Miyazaki Airport is expected to provide valuable information about the presence of UXOsat other airports and inform future safety measures.
Background
The explosion at Miyazaki Airport occurred on October 2nd, 2024, when a UXO detonated on a taxiway connecting to the runway. The incident caused minor damage to the taxiway but did not result in any injuries.
The airport was temporarily closed following the explosion, but has since reopened. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of the airport and the potential for further incidents.
Impact
The incident at Miyazaki Airport has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by UXOs in Japan. While the Japanese government hasbeen working to clear UXOs since the end of World War II, the task is immense and many UXOs remain undiscovered.
The MLIT’s decision to conduct emergency investigations at five airports across Japan is a significant step towards addressing this issue. The investigations are expected to provide valuable information about the presence of UXOsat these airports and inform future safety measures.
Conclusion
The emergency investigation at Miyazaki Airport is a necessary step to ensure the safety of passengers and staff at airports across Japan. The MLIT’s decision to conduct these investigations reflects the seriousness of the threat posed by UXOs and the government’s commitmentto addressing this issue. The results of the investigation are expected to provide valuable information that will inform future safety measures and help to ensure the safety of air travel in Japan.
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