Okinawa Prefectural Police respond to a vehicle on fire on Route 74 in Kadena town, Japan, in this screenshot taken from video Feb. 13, 2025. (@localOKINAWA via X)

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — A U.S. service member was driving drunk Thursday when he crashed a vehicle that exploded on a highway just beyond the air base fence, according to Japanese police.

Two service members, including the driver, safely exited the vehicle just before the explosion, a spokesman with Okinawa Prefectural Police in Kadena town said by phone Friday.

The spokesman would not identify the service members or disclose what the driver’s blood-alcohol content measured after the incident. Japan’s legal limit for driving under the influence is 0.03%, compared to 0.08% in all 50 U.S. states.

The single-vehicle accident occurred in the Yara district of Kadena town at 9:50 p.m., according to posts by traffic spotter @localOKINAWA on social platform X.

Videos with the post show a passenger vehicle engulfed in flames in the westbound lane of Route 74 just outside the base fence near two aircraft hangars. Loud popping noises are heard in the video.

The fire was extinguished at 10:15 p.m., according to the posts.

No one was arrested at the scene, but police may forward a case against the driver to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office for possible charges within 48 hours, the spokesman said.

Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

The 18^th Wing at Kadena acknowledged questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Friday but did not immediately provide responses.