A startling reminder of World War II shook a Japanese airport when an unexploded American bomb from the conflict detonated, leaving a crater on the taxiway. The incident occurred at Chubu Centrair International Airport, located near Nagoya, Japan, temporarily disrupting operations but causing no injuries.
The bomb, believed to be a relic of air raids on Japan during WWII, was discovered during routine construction work near the airport. While the area had been cordoned off and cleared for safety, the bomb unexpectedly exploded before specialists could fully disarm it.
The explosion left a significant crater on the taxiway, prompting the airport to suspend some of its operations for repairs. Fortunately, no aircraft were on the taxiway at the time, and no personnel were injured. Airport authorities immediately took control of the situation, rerouting flights to avoid further disruption while ensuring that all safety protocols were followed.
This incident highlights the long-lasting impact of WWII, where unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to be discovered in Japan and other countries involved in the war. Over the years, thousands of bombs dropped during the war have been unearthed in urban and rural areas, often leading to controlled detonations by bomb disposal units. However, as seen in this case, the unpredictability of such explosives can still pose a risk, even decades after they were first deployed.
Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to ensure no other explosives remain in the area. While the airport is expected to return to full operations soon, the incident serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers still lingering from one of history’s most destructive conflicts.