- South Korean fighter jets accidentally drop bombs in civilian area, injuring 15 people.
- Military blunder caused by incorrect coordinates input; investigation underway.
- Incident occurs ahead of US-South Korea joint drills amid rising tensions with North Korea.
Fifteen people were injured, two seriously, after two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian area during a live-fire military exercise on Thursday, local media reported.
The incident, involving KF-16 aircraft in Pocheon, near the North Korean border, was part of routine drills aimed at maintaining combat readiness. South Korea’s Air Force has launched an investigation, issued an apology, and pledged compensation for those affected. While stray shells from military exercises occasionally land near civilian areas, injuries are rare.
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According to reports, two individuals suffered fractures, while a 60-year-old driver was hit by shrapnel. “I was driving when I heard a ‘bang.’ When I woke up, I was in an ambulance,” the individual told Yonhap News.
The Air Force confirmed that one jet mistakenly dropped its MK-82 bombs due to an input error in targeting coordinates. Officials have yet to determine why the second jet also released its payload. As a result, all live-fire exercises have been suspended.
The explosion damaged a church and several homes. Images in local media showed shattered windows and a damaged church roof. A local care centre director said their building’s windows were blown out, and a staff member was hospitalised, though elderly residents were unharmed. “They were so frightened that we sent them all home,” the director said.
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Authorities initially evacuated residents while bomb disposal teams assessed the site, but later confirmed that no unexploded bombs were found. The South Korean defence ministry stated that Thursday’s training was linked to upcoming joint drills with US forces, scheduled from March 10 to March 20.
These exercises, the first since US President Donald Trump’s return to office, come amid growing concerns over deepening ties between North Korea and Russia.
