One Ton WWII Bomb Shuts Down Japanese Railway

Osaka, Japan A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) bomb disposal unit defused and removed a 1-ton WWII-era UXO that forced West Japan Railway Company to suspend operations on two of its lines in Osaka. Approximately 2,000 residents living within a 300-meter radius of the exclusion zone were evacuated according to city officials.

The bomb, which was dropped during an air raid over Suita in WWII, measured 1.8 meters in length and 60 centimeters in diameter. It was discovered during construction work for a condominium, according to the Suita city government.

The bomb had a nose fuze and a tail fuze, making it hazardous to move. The GSDF bomb disposal team reportedly safely removed both fuzes before moving the bomb for proper disposal. The area was re-opened to residents after the explosive hazard was removed with rail service allowed to resumed.