Metal reaction occurred in the taxiway of Miyazaki Airport and will be dug up to confirm whether it is an unexploded bomb

On October 2, an explosion occurred at the taxiway of Miyazaki Airport in Japan, prompting the government to initiate an emergency search for unexploded ordnance at several airports, including Miyazaki. Recent findings revealed a metallic reaction beneath the taxiway, and excavation of the surface is scheduled for the evening of October 19 to investigate further.

The explosion, which caused a collapse in the taxiway around 8 a.m. on October 2, was confirmed by the Japanese government to be caused by an American-made unexploded bomb. During World War II, Miyazaki Airport was constructed as a former Japanese naval base, and unexploded ordnance has been found in the area on previous occasions. To ascertain if there are other unexploded devices beneath the airport’s surface, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism began urgent inspections on the evening of October 16.

According to NHK, regarding the emergency search for unexploded ordnance underway at Miyazaki Airport, the Ministry stated that a metallic reaction was detected beneath the taxiway connecting to the runway. However, they are unable to determine whether it is an unexploded bomb, leading to plans to excavate the surface on the evening of October 19.

The Ministry reported that the metallic reaction was identified beneath the same taxiway where the explosion occurred, located quite close to the blast site and approximately 160 centimeters deep. They have not yet confirmed whether this metallic reaction is explosive in nature.

As a result, the Ministry plans to start excavating after all flights on the 19th have concluded, beginning at 10 p.m. The affected taxiway at Miyazaki Airport has been temporarily closed.

Concerning the impact of the investigation on flights scheduled for October 20, the Ministry indicated that if the metallic reaction is confirmed not to be an unexploded bomb, the work will be completed without affecting those flights. However, if it is confirmed to be an unexploded ordnance, further actions will be considered as necessary, and the potential impact on October 20 flights remains uncertain at this time.