Two GSDF Sergeants in Their 20s Die from Lightning Electrocution During Infiltration Training at Hijudai Maneuver Area in Oita

Two Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) sergeants in their 20s died from electrocution caused by lightning during a training exercise at the Hijudai maneuver area in Oita Prefecture. The incident occurred on a day when a thunderstorm advisory was issued across the region. The soldiers went missing during an infiltration training session and were later found within the training grounds. A forensic autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was lightning-induced electrocution. The GSDF officially identified the fatalities as resulting from the lightning strike.