South Korean fighter jet mistakenly dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a military training exercise on Thursday, injuring seven people, including two seriously, authorities said.
The bombs, MK-82 500-pound munitions, were released by a KF-16 fighter jet during a joint live-fire drill with the South Korean Army, but fell outside the designated firing range in Pocheon, a city near the border with North Korea.
The South Korean Air Force confirmed the incident, expressing regret over the civilian damage and promising to investigate the cause of the accident.
The bombs caused extensive damage to homes and a church in the area. Footage from the scene showed buildings reduced to rubble, with debris scattered around the affected area.
Yonhap news agency reported that five civilians and two soldiers were injured, though their injuries were not life-threatening, except for two victims who were in serious condition.
“We are deeply sorry for the damage caused by this abnormal drop, and we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the South Korean Air Force said in a statement. It added that a committee would be formed to assess the scale of the damage and investigate how the bombs were released outside the designated area.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened military activity as South Korean and US forces are preparing for their annual joint exercises, which are set to begin next week.
The drills aim to enhance military readiness against North Korea’s growing threats. Pocheon, located just 40 kilometres from the heavily militarised border, has long been a site for military exercises, and residents have voiced concerns about the risks posed by the frequent drills.
In response to the bombing, local authorities in Pocheon expressed their anger over the mishap, with many residents calling for a review of the military’s practices in the area. For years, residents have protested the disturbances and the potential dangers posed by nearby military training grounds.
“We want to ensure this never happens again,” said a local official. The air force has pledged to offer compensation to the victims and to take further steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding military operations in areas near the border with North Korea, where both military presence and public concern are at a high level.
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