Three GSDF personnel die during training

Three people were killed and one injured in an explosion at a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force training area in Oita Prefecture. Japan’s Defense Ministry said tank ammunition exploded during a drill.

Officials said the blast happened on Tuesday morning at the GSDF’s Hijudai Training Area. Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro added although details and the cause of the explosion are under investigation, the defense ministry and the Self-Defense Forces will make every effort to clarify the cause and implement thorough safety management.