Japan Self-Defense Force Type 10 Tank Training Accident Kills 3, Explosion Point in Turret
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 10 tank exploded during training in Oita Prefecture, killing 3 and injuring 1. The explosion occurred inside the turret, and the Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force apologized, with an accident investigation committee established.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 18:21
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 18:31 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 20:39 (2h 7m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Dai Ya-chen, Tokyo, April 21) A tank explosion accident occurred this morning at the Hishikidai training ground in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Four personnel inside the vehicle were affected, resulting in 3 deaths and 1 injury. It is reported that the explosion point was inside the "turret," a device used to fire shells, located on top of the vehicle. The three deceased were a 45-year-old Sergeant First Class (equivalent to Staff Sergeant) and two 31-year-old and 30-year-old Sergeants Third Class (equivalent to Corporal).
NHK reported that General Arai Masayoshi, Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force, held an emergency press conference at the Ministry of Defense this afternoon, stating, "We deeply apologize for causing trouble and anxiety to the local residents and the public," and revealed that an accident investigation committee has been established at the Western Army Headquarters in Kumamoto City.
According to the Ground Self-Defense Force, the unit conducting the training at the time was the Western Army Tank Unit, based at the Kusu Garrison in Oita Prefecture, using a vehicle known as the "Type 10 tank." The four personnel served as the "tank commander" responsible for command, the "gunner" responsible for firing, the "safety officer" responsible for confirming firing accuracy, and the "driver" responsible for driving the tank.
The explosion point was inside the "turret," a device used to fire shells, located on top of the vehicle. The Western Army Tank Unit stated, "We attach great importance to this and will prioritize clarifying the cause and facts, and make every effort to prevent recurrence."
The Oita Prefecture local fire department stated that the injured person suffered facial burns but was conscious.
According to the Self-Defense Force's official website, the Type 10 tank is the 4th generation main battle tank of the Ground Self-Defense Force. It is approximately 9.5 meters long, 3.2 meters wide, 2.3 meters high, weighs about 44 tons, has a maximum speed of about 70 kilometers per hour, and has a crew of 3.
The Hishikidai training ground spans Kusu Town, Kokonoe Town, and Yufu City in Oita Prefecture, with a total area of approximately 4,900 hectares, equivalent to 1,400 Tokyo Domes. It is one of the largest Ground Self-Defense Force training grounds in Western Japan and is used for daily training as well as joint training with the U.S. forces stationed in Japan. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
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(Central News Agency reporter Dai Ya-chen, Tokyo, April 21) A tank explosion accident occurred this morning at the Hishikidai training ground in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Four personnel inside the vehicle were affected, resulting in 3 deaths and 1 injury. It is reported that the explosion point was inside the "turret," a device used to fire shells, located on top of the vehicle. The three deceased were a 45-year-old Sergeant First Class (equivalent to Staff Sergeant) and two 31-year-old and 30-year-old Sergeants Third Class (equivalent to Corporal).
NHK reported that General Arai Masayoshi, Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force, held an emergency press conference at the Ministry of Defense this afternoon, stating, "We deeply apologize for causing trouble and anxiety to the local residents and the public," and revealed that an accident investigation committee has been established at the Western Army Headquarters in Kumamoto City.
According to the Ground Self-Defense Force, the unit conducting the training at the time was the Western Army Tank Unit, based at the Kusu Garrison in Oita Prefecture, using a vehicle known as the "Type 10 tank." The four personnel served as the "tank commander" responsible for command, the "gunner" responsible for firing, the "safety officer" responsible for confirming firing accuracy, and the "driver" responsible for driving the tank.
The explosion point was inside the "turret," a device used to fire shells, located on top of the vehicle. The Western Army Tank Unit stated, "We attach great importance to this and will prioritize clarifying the cause and facts, and make every effort to prevent recurrence."
The Oita Prefecture local fire department stated that the injured person suffered facial burns but was conscious.
According to the Self-Defense Force's official website, the Type 10 tank is the 4th generation main battle tank of the Ground Self-Defense Force. It is approximately 9.5 meters long, 3.2 meters wide, 2.3 meters high, weighs about 44 tons, has a maximum speed of about 70 kilometers per hour, and has a crew of 3.
The Hishikidai training ground spans Kusu Town, Kokonoe Town, and Yufu City in Oita Prefecture, with a total area of approximately 4,900 hectares, equivalent to 1,400 Tokyo Domes. It is one of the largest Ground Self-Defense Force training grounds in Western Japan and is used for daily training as well as joint training with the U.S. forces stationed in Japan. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
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