In a shocking incident, South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a residential neighborhood during a military exercise, injuring 15 people and causing significant damage to homes and a church. The Air Force has since acknowledged the error and pledged to investigate the cause of the accident.
Bombs Fall Outside Designated Zone
The incident occurred on Thursday in Pocheon, a city located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Seoul, near the heavily fortified border with North Korea. According to the South Korean Air Force, two KF-16 jets were conducting joint live-fire drills when they accidentally released eight Mk82 bombs outside the designated shooting range.
Local authorities reported that among the 15 injured, two people sustained serious wounds. Emergency services quickly responded, evacuating residents and providing medical aid to the victims.
Eyewitness Accounts and Damage Report
Residents described scenes of chaos following the unexpected explosions.
“There was a loud roar of a fighter jet, then suddenly an explosion. When I arrived at the site, I saw at least four houses completely destroyed, and injured people lying on the ground,” said Oh Moung-su, a 65-year-old resident.
Security footage from the area captured the devastating impact, showing a pickup truck driving down a quiet street before being engulfed in a massive blast. Photos from the scene revealed shattered windows, collapsed structures, and debris scattered across the streets.
A church was also severely damaged, with parts of its walls reduced to rubble. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the destruction.
Military Acknowledges Mistake, Suspends Exercises
Following the incident, the Air Force issued an official statement expressing regret over the mishap.
“We deeply apologize for the damage caused by this unfortunate accident and extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement read.
An internal investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to a pilot entering incorrect coordinates, causing the jets to drop all eight bombs outside the intended target zone. The Air Force has announced that live-fire exercises will be temporarily suspended until a thorough review is completed.
However, officials confirmed that the upcoming Freedom Shield joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, scheduled from March 10 to 20, will proceed as planned. These annual exercises are designed to enhance military readiness, particularly in response to threats from North Korea.
Ongoing Civilian Concerns Over Military Drills
This accident has reignited public outcry over the risks posed by military training exercises near civilian areas. Residents in Pocheon have long voiced concerns about the dangers of live-fire drills, citing noise pollution, potential accidents, and the proximity to their homes.
Pocheon Mayor Baeck Young-hyeun called the incident “unthinkable” and urged the government to take stronger measures to prevent future accidents.
With tensions high, authorities will need to address both the immediate consequences of this disaster and the broader concerns surrounding military activities near populated areas.
