A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet mistakenly dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a training exercise on Thursday, injuring eight people, according to Reuters. The incident took place in Pocheon, near the North Korean border, about 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul. The South Korean Air Force stated that the MK-82 bombs were “abnormally” released outside the designated firing range, causing civilian damage. Authorities have formed a committee to investigate the cause and assess the impact. The jet was part of a joint live-firing drill with the army when the accident occurred.
Yonhap news agency reported six civilians and two soldiers were injured, with two suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Seven buildings were also damaged. An official from Gyeonggi-do Bukbu Fire Services confirmed to Reuters that two of the wounded were in serious condition. The Air Force issued an apology, expressing hope for a speedy recovery for the injured and promising compensation.
Residents in Pocheon have long voiced concerns over the dangers of nearby military training grounds. Earlier on Thursday, the defense ministry confirmed that South Korea and the U.S. had begun joint live-fire exercises in Pocheon, ahead of the annual Freedom Shield drills. Scheduled to run from Monday until March 20, these exercises aim to enhance military readiness against potential threats, including those from North Korea.
