South Korean fighter jet ‘accidentally’ drops bombs on civilian area during training, injuring 15

Fifteen people were injured when two South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training range in Pocheon during a live-fire exercise. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. in a village near the demilitarized zone (DMZ), causing damage to multiple buildings, including a church. The Air Force has launched an investigation into the accident.

According to fire officials, two civilians sustained serious injuries, though their conditions are not life-threatening. Among the injured were two soldiers and two foreign nationals. Authorities expect the number of injured to rise as more residents report injuries. The explosion shattered windows, scattered debris, and forced the evacuation of around 50 residents to a town hall for safety.

The Air Force stated that the bombs were "abnormally" released outside the firing range during the drill and apologized for the incident. "We are sorry for the civilian damage from the abnormal (bomb) release accident and wish for the swift recovery of those injured," the Air Force said in an official statement. Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Ki-wan is leading the investigation, and authorities have assured that compensation will be provided to those affected.

Residents in Pocheon have long raised concerns over military training in the area, citing safety risks and disturbances. Following the accident, emergency teams and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units were deployed to check for any unexploded bombs. The blast damaged at least seven buildings, including a church, and left streets covered in debris and broken glass.

The incident occurred as South Korea and the United States conduct joint live-fire drills ahead of the annual Freedom Shield exercise, set to run from March 11 to March 20. The drills involve over 160 military assets, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, and tanks, and are aimed at strengthening defense readiness. Military officials have stated that this year’s exercises incorporate lessons from recent conflicts and developments in North Korea’s military activities.