Three members of Japan’s military were killed Tuesday when ammunition detonated inside their tank during a training operation at a military facility in southern Japan, according to defense officials.
The fatal incident took place at the Hijudai Training Area in Oita prefecture during live ammunition exercises involving multiple tanks. The explosion happened within the gun turret of a Type 10 main battle tank, claiming the lives of the tank’s commander, gunner, and safety supervisor who were positioned inside the turret at the time.
A fourth crew member serving as the tank’s driver sustained injuries but survived the blast, military officials reported.
Following the tragic incident, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Masayoshi Arai announced the immediate halt of live ammunition training exercises involving Type 10 and Type 90 tanks that utilize similar ammunition.
“We will promptly determine the cause so that we can take preventive measures,” Arai stated.
The Type 10 tank represents Japan’s most advanced armored vehicle, having entered service with the military in 2011. Military investigators are now working to determine what caused the deadly ammunition explosion during the routine training operation.
