Explosion Reported at US Military Facility in Japan

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An explosion has been reported at the U.S. military facility in Sagamihara, Japan, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports, citing the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation.

Sagamihara is a city in the Japanese prefecture of Kanagawa, which borders Tokyo.

"We're aware of the report, but we don't have confirmation that the explosion occurred on the base," said Pentagon spokesman U.S. Navy Commander Bill Urban, according to Reuters.

The Sagami General Depot houses storage for petroleum products and ammunition.

"Fire from the American military base has occurred," the Sagamihara Fire Department said, according to JBC.

Video and photos began streaming in from social media shortly after noon (EST), showing a large explosion, several loud booms, sustained flames and billowing smoke rising from a structure. No injuries have been reported.

A bare warehouse is currently burning on the site, The Daily Mirror reported, citing Japanese broadcasters. Helicopters have been spotted in the area and emergency vehicles are en route to the scene.

An eyewitness told the NHK news agency she initially thought the explosion was thunder, but then heard multiple "explosions in quick succession." She also reported smelling a "gunpowder-ish smell."

Three explosions linked to a left-wing extremist group were reported in the vicinity of the base in April, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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