Media: Three soldiers killed in tank explosion during training exercises in Japan
At least three soldiers have reportedly been killed in a tank explosion during training exercises at the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Hijudai training ground in Oita Prefecture.
This was reported by Fuji TV.
Earlier, NHK reported that three soldiers had been injured.
According to Fuji TV, the deaths of two soldiers have now been confirmed, while another is in a state of "cardiac and respiratory arrest"—a term used in Japan to describe clinical death, which, by law, can only be officially declared by medical personnel, not rescuers. Additionally, a female soldier has been taken to the hospital; she is conscious and able to speak.
As noted by TBS TV, a shell exploded inside the tank's gun during the firing exercise.
