3 GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (SDF) MEMBERS DEAD AFTER EXPLOSION DURING TRAINING IN SOUTHEWESTERN JAPAN - OITA JAPAN

3 GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (SDF) MEMBERS DEAD AFTER EXPLOSION DURING TRAINING IN SOUTHEWESTERN JAPAN - OITA JAPAN

@Jr_Paku Midin Channel

OITA

The premature explosion of a tank shell at a Ground Self-Defense Force training range in southwestern Japan left three members dead and another one injured on Tuesday, the GSDF said.

The incident occurred at around 8:40 a.m. during a tank exercise at the GSDF's Hijudai training range in Oita Prefecture, when the shell exploded before it could be fired. The cause is unknown, and an investigation committee has been set up.

Gen. Masayoshi Arai, chief of staff of the GSDF, told a press conference that the three killed aboard the Type 10 tank were Kentaro Hamabe, 45, Shingo Takayama, 31, and Kozo Kanai, 30 -- all members of the Western Army Tank Unit based at Camp Kusu in the prefecture.

The four personnel involved in the accident served as tank commander, gunner, safety officer responsible for ensuring firing accuracy, and driver. The injured person, the driver, is reported to be in serious condition, according to the GSDF.

"We offer our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to the bereaved families," Arai said. "Following this incident, I have ordered a suspension of live-fire exercises using Type 10 tanks, as well as similar drills involving Type 90 tanks that use the same type of ammunition."

"We are trying to confirm the details and cause of the incident," Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters at the parliament building in Tokyo. "It's extremely regrettable...We will ensure thorough safety measures are out in place."

The Hijudai training range spans about 5,000 hectares and is used by the GSDF for large-scale exercises.

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@Jr_Paku Midin Channel