Japan Oita Training Ground Type 10 Tank Training: Explosion Accident Causes 3 Deaths, 1 Injury [Video]
An explosion occurred during Type 10 tank live-fire training at Japan's Oita Hibikinodai training ground, resulting in the deaths of three male personnel and injuries to one female personnel. The Ground Self-Defense Force's Kusukita Garrison is currently investigating the cause of the accident, which is suspected to be a shell explosion.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 13:23
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 13:31 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 14:43 (1h 11m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Dai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 21st) A tank explosion accident occurred this morning at Japan's Oita Prefecture Hibikinodai training ground, resulting in the deaths of three male personnel and injuries to one female personnel who was taken to the hospital. All four were aboard a Type 10 tank when a suspected shell explosion triggered the accident.
Oita Broadcasting reported that the Hita-Kusu Wide Area Fire Department received a report from the Self-Defense Forces around 8:40 AM, stating, "A tank explosion occurred during a firing exercise at the Hibikinodai training ground, injuring four people." Personnel were immediately dispatched for rescue.
Among them, a 45-year-old male and a 28-year-old male died on the spot, and a 32-year-old male was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital following cardiopulmonary arrest. A 21-year-old female is conscious and able to communicate and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
According to the Ground Self-Defense Force's Kusukita Garrison, the Western Army Tank Unit was conducting training at the time of the incident. All four casualties were members of the tank unit. It is suspected that a shell exploded while they were aboard a Type 10 tank, triggering the accident.
The Self-Defense Forces stated that they are collecting relevant information to clarify the cause and detailed circumstances of the accident. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150421
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(Central News Agency reporter Dai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 21st) A tank explosion accident occurred this morning at Japan's Oita Prefecture Hibikinodai training ground, resulting in the deaths of three male personnel and injuries to one female personnel who was taken to the hospital. All four were aboard a Type 10 tank when a suspected shell explosion triggered the accident.
Oita Broadcasting reported that the Hita-Kusu Wide Area Fire Department received a report from the Self-Defense Forces around 8:40 AM, stating, "A tank explosion occurred during a firing exercise at the Hibikinodai training ground, injuring four people." Personnel were immediately dispatched for rescue.
Among them, a 45-year-old male and a 28-year-old male died on the spot, and a 32-year-old male was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital following cardiopulmonary arrest. A 21-year-old female is conscious and able to communicate and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
According to the Ground Self-Defense Force's Kusukita Garrison, the Western Army Tank Unit was conducting training at the time of the incident. All four casualties were members of the tank unit. It is suspected that a shell exploded while they were aboard a Type 10 tank, triggering the accident.
The Self-Defense Forces stated that they are collecting relevant information to clarify the cause and detailed circumstances of the accident. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150421
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Reproduction, public broadcasting, public transmission, or use of the text, images, and audio/video on this website is prohibited without authorization.