“U.S. World War II bomb explodes at Japanese airport, creating large crater in taxiway” – The Hindu

A U.S. bomb dating back to World War II has exploded at a Japanese airport, causing a large crater in the taxiway and sparking concerns over the safety of old munitions in the region.

The incident occurred at Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan, where construction workers were digging in the taxiway when they accidentally struck the unexploded bomb. The detonation created a massive crater, prompting authorities to temporarily close the airport for safety reasons.

The bomb is believed to have been dropped by U.S. forces during World War II when Japan was under occupation. Despite efforts to clear unexploded ordnance from the area over the years, incidents like this highlight the ongoing risks posed by remnants of the war.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the explosion, but the incident serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of conflict on communities long after the fighting has ended. Authorities are now working to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

As Japan continues to grapple with the legacy of World War II, the explosion at Chitose Airport serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with old munitions. The safety of both workers and the public must remain a top priority as the country works to clear the remnants of past conflicts.