Fifteen Injured After South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs in Civilian Area
Fifteen people were injured, including two seriously, after South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs in a civilian district during a military drill, local media reported.
The incident took place on Thursday in Pocheon, a city near the North Korean border, when two Air Force KF-16 jets accidentally released eight MK-82 bombs outside their designated firing range. The exercise was part of routine drills aimed at maintaining combat readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
South Korea’s Air Force issued an apology and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident. It also promised compensation for those affected. While occasional stray shells from military drills have previously landed near civilian homes, injuries are rare.
Among the injured, two people suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders. A 60-year-old driver was also hurt when shrapnel lodged in their neck. "I was driving when I heard a bang," the individual told Yonhap. "When I woke up, I was in an ambulance."
The Air Force stated that the mishap occurred due to one pilot inputting incorrect coordinates, causing the bombs to be released in the civilian area. The reason why the second jet dropped its bombs remains unclear. In response, authorities have suspended all live-fire exercises until further notice.
The explosions damaged several buildings, including a church and nearby homes. Images from local media showed shattered windows and a damaged roof. A resident described the blast as "like a thunderclap" that shook his house. At a nearby senior care facility, windows were shattered, and one staff member was hospitalized. While no elderly residents were injured, they were reportedly so shaken that they were sent home for the day.
Initially, authorities evacuated residents as a bomb disposal unit assessed the scene for unexploded ordnance. However, later reports confirmed that no additional threats were found.
The South Korean defense ministry clarified that the exercise was part of joint military drills with US forces. These joint operations are set to continue from March 10 to March 20, marking the first such drills since US President Donald Trump’s return to office. The training comes amid heightened concerns over North Korea’s growing ties with Russia.
This incident is not the first mishap during South Korea-US drills. In 2022, a malfunctioning short-range ballistic missile crashed on a military base golf course, sparking a fire and alarming nearby residents. Although the warhead did not explode, the incident underscored the risks associated with military exercises near civilian areas.
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