Three soldiers were killed and one was injured when a tank shell exploded at a military training ground in southwestern Japan.
The incident occurred during an exercise at the Hijudai training area in Oita Prefecture. According to reports, the shell exploded before being fired. Among the deceased are a tank commander, a gunner, and another responsible military personnel.
Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that the causes of the incident are being investigated and that safety measures will be strengthened.
