3 Japanese defense force members killed in tank shell explosion

FUKUOKA - The premature explosion of a tank shell at a Ground Self-Defense Force training range in southwestern Japan left three members dead and another one injured on Tuesday, the GSDF said.

The incident occurred at around 8:40 a.m. during a tank exercise at the GSDF's Hijudai training range in Oita Prefecture, when the shell exploded before it could be fired. The cause is unknown, and an investigation committee has been set up.