South Korean Fighter Jet Accidentally Drops Bombs on Village, Injuring Civilians
Seoul, South Korea – A South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jet mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside the designated firing range during a joint military exercise on Thursday, causing civilian injuries and property damage.
The incident occurred around 10:00 am (0100 GMT) in Pocheon, a town located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
“We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery,” the Air Force said in an official statement. It also announced the formation of an accident response committee to investigate the mishap and pledged compensation for damages.
According to South Korea’s National Fire Agency, the bombs are believed to have fallen on a village during a South Korea-US joint exercise, leading to significant destruction. The agency reported that at least four people sustained serious injuries, while three others suffered minor wounds. Several homes and a church building were also damaged.
‘Like a Thunderclap’ – Witnesses Recall Horror
Local residents described the harrowing moment of impact. Park, a villager who witnessed the accident, recounted, “I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook. When I went outside, everything was in chaos.”
Yu, the director of a senior center located about a kilometer from the blast site, told Yonhap news agency that the explosion was so intense it shattered windows and injured a teacher. “Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt, but they were so frightened that we sent them all home,” Yu added.
Joint Military Drills Under Scrutiny
The accident occurred amid ongoing military exercises between South Korea and the United States. The joint “Freedom Shield” drills, one of the allies’ largest annual training operations, are set to begin later this month. The US military maintains a significant presence in South Korea, stationing tens of thousands of troops to help deter threats from North Korea.
This is not the first time South Korea has experienced a military training accident. In 2022, a Hyunmu-2 ballistic missile misfired and crashed into a military golf course in Gangwon Province, though no injuries were reported in that incident.
With tensions on the Korean Peninsula remaining high, the latest accident has sparked concerns over the safety protocols governing live-fire military exercises near civilian areas. Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent future occurrences.
Next Steps
Military officials have promised to review procedures and reinforce safety measures to ensure such an accident does not happen again. Meanwhile, emergency services continue to provide assistance to those affected, as the nation grapples with the unexpected fallout from a routine military drill gone wrong.