At least three soldiers have died in a tank explosion during a shooting at the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Hijudai training ground in Oita Prefecture, Fuji TV reported.
NHK previously reported that three soldiers were injured.
According to Fuji TV, two soldiers have been confirmed dead and another is in “cardiopulmonary arrest“ - a Japanese term for clinical death that can legally only be confirmed by medical personnel, not rescuers.
Another female soldier has been taken to hospital; she is conscious and able to speak.
TBS reported that a shell exploded in the cannon during the shooting.