An explosion occurred at the US military's Kadena Ammunition Storage Area in the village of Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture, on June 9, injuring four members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Local fire department officials said the blast happened at around 11:15 a.m.

According to the Okinawa prefectural government, the explosion took place at a facility, managed by the prefecture within the storage area, where unexploded ordnances recovered by the SDF are temporarily kept.

The incident has not caused any fire in the vicinity.

The four male Ground Self-Defense Force members who sustained injuries were taken to hospital, some with burns on their hands and some complaining of ringing in the ears. 

Officials said none of them are in life-threatening condition.

The four injured were removing rust from an unexploded ordnance when the explosion occurred.

The police and fire department are investigating the incident.

The ammunition depot is located adjacent to the US military’s Kadena Air Base.