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Japan tank misfire kills three soldiers

By AFP
April 22, 2026
A vehicle enters the Japan Ground Self-Defence Forces (SFD) Hoshino Training Area, on April 21, 2026 in Kusu Town, Oita Prefecture, after three members of a tank crew were killed in a training excercise. —AFP
A vehicle enters the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force's (SFD) Hoshino Training Area, on April 21, 2026 in Kusu Town, Oita Prefecture, after three members of a tank crew were killed in a training excercise. —AFP

TOKYO: An explosion on Tuesday in a tank during a mililtary exercise in Japan killed three soldiers, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

The unusual accident at a training ground used by Japan´s Self-Defence Forces in the southwestern Oita region saw “the tank´s ammunition misfire inside,” killing the three crew members on board and injuring another, Takaichi said.

The details of what caused the accident were under investigation.

“It is truly regrettable this happened,” the prime minister wrote, offering her “heartfelt condolences”.