March 06, 2025
South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs on Civilian Area, Injuring 15
In a startling incident on Thursday, two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a training exercise, injuring 15 people and causing significant damage to property. The mishap occurred in Pocheon, a city near the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
The South Korean Air Force reported that the KF-16 fighter jets were participating in a joint live-fire drill with the Army when the bombs were released outside the designated firing range. The bombs, identified as 500-pound MK-82, caused injuries to six civilians and two soldiers, with four civilians in serious condition. Among the injured were two foreign nationals from Thailand and Myanmar.
The incident took place around 10 a.m. local time, and initial investigations suggest that one of the pilots entered incorrect coordinates for the bombing site. The Air Force has established a committee to investigate the cause of the accidental release and to assess the extent of civilian damage.
Photographs from the scene showed debris scattered around damaged buildings, including a church, five houses, a warehouse, and a greenhouse. Authorities have evacuated residents from the affected area and are conducting searches for any unexploded bombs.
In a televised briefing, Pocheon Mayor Paek Young-hyun described the bombings as "awful" and called for a halt to military drills in the city until reliable preventive measures are in place. The Air Force has temporarily suspended live-fire drills in Pocheon but confirmed that the upcoming Freedom Shield exercise, a major joint military drill with U.S. forces, will proceed as planned.
The Air Force expressed deep regret for the civilian damage caused by the accidental release and assured that they would actively offer compensation and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols during military exercises and the potential risks to civilian areas.
As the investigation continues, the South Korean military is committed to ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians during training exercises.
