A tank explosion accident occurred on the morning of the 21st at the Hiji-Kusu training ground in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that, during a shooting exercise with a Type 10 tank by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, a shell exploded inside the barrel, resulting in the deaths of 3 out of 4 crew members on board and injuring 1 person.
According to NHK reports, the exercise was being carried out by the Western Area Tank Unit at the time of the incident. All 4 casualties were aboard the latest model Type 10 tank. The Ground Self-Defense Force has sent personnel from the command headquarters of the Western Area to the scene to investigate the condition of the injured and the cause of the shell rupture. This accident did not affect any civilians.
According to information on the Self-Defense Force's official website, the Type 10 tank is the fourth-generation main battle tank of the Ground Self-Defense Force. It is about 9.5 meters long, 3.2 meters wide, about 2.3 meters high, weighs approximately 44 tons, has a maximum speed of around 70 km/h, and is crewed by 3 people.
The Hiji-Kusu training ground spans across Kusu Town, Kokonoe Town, and Yufu City in Oita Prefecture, with a total area of about 4,900 hectares, equivalent to 1,400 Tokyo Domes. It is one of the largest Ground Self-Defense Force training grounds in western Japan. In addition to daily training, it is also frequently used for joint exercises with US forces stationed in Japan.
According to information on the Self-Defense Force's official website, the Type 10 tank is the fourth-generation main battle tank of the Ground Self-Defense Force. It is about 9.5 meters long, 3.2 meters wide, about 2.3 meters high, weighs approximately 44 tons, has a maximum speed of around 70 km/h, and is crewed by 3 people.
The Hiji-Kusu training ground spans across Kusu Town, Kokonoe Town, and Yufu City in Oita Prefecture, with a total area of about 4,900 hectares, equivalent to 1,400 Tokyo Domes. It is one of the largest Ground Self-Defense Force training grounds in western Japan. In addition to daily training, it is also frequently used for joint exercises with US forces stationed in Japan.