A World War II-era American bomb unexpectedly exploded at Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, causing significant disruption. The blast created a large crater on the airport’s taxiway, leading to the cancellation of over 80 flights. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the explosion occurred when no planes were present at the site.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, the bomb was a 500-pound American explosive from the World War II era. The blast caused debris to fly into the air, as seen in footage recorded by an aviation school. The crater left behind by the explosion was clearly visible in videos broadcast by Japanese media.

Authorities, including Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and police, are investigating the incident to determine what triggered the sudden detonation. While there is currently no ongoing threat, the airport’s operations were heavily impacted. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that the airport would resume normal operations the following day after safety inspections.

The incident has raised concerns about unexploded wartime ordnance still present in various parts of Japan, reminding the public of the potential risks linked to historical remnants of conflict.