A regional airport in southwest Japan was closed on Wednesday after a US bombshell, likely dropped during World War Two to stem “kamikaze” attacks, exploded near its runway, causing nearly 90 flight cancellations.
Miyazaki Airport shut its runway after the explosion caused a crater seven metres (23 feet) wide and one metre (3.2 feet) deep in the middle of the taxiway next to the runway, according to a Japanese transport ministry official.
No injuries were reported but live cam footage showed an airplane had been taxiing nearby just two minutes before the explosion, according to local broadcaster MRT.
The runway shutdown has led to the grounding of 87 flights but there is no danger of any further explosions and repair works to fill the hole should be completed by Thursday morning, said Japan’s top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi.
The affected flights were operated by JAL, ANA and other airlines connecting Miyazaki with cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, according to the airport website.
