In a shocking event on Thursday, two South Korean fighter jets inadvertently released eight bombs onto a civilian neighborhood during a live-fire exercise with the U.S. military, resulting in injuries to eight individuals. According to the air force, the MK-82 bombs that fell from the KF-16 jets missed their designated firing range, leading to unexpected civilian damage.
In response to this incident, the air force announced plans to form a committee to delve into the reasons behind the mishap and evaluate the extent of damage inflicted upon civilians. The jets were involved in the firing drill in cooperation with U.S. forces over a single day.
Local reporters were informed by an unnamed air force source that an incorrect bombing site coordinate was input by one of the KF-16 pilots. Moreover, an anonymous Defense Ministry representative stated that further probing is essential to comprehend why a second KF-16 also misfired.
This briefing was disseminated to international media sources. In the aftermath of the incident, the air force issued an apology, expressing a swift recovery for those hurt. They committed to offering compensation and taking additional necessary actions.
The accidental bombings took place in Pocheon, a city near South Korea’s fortified border with North Korea. During a televised briefing, Mayor Paek Young-hyun described the events as “awful” and demanded the military halt any drills in Pocheon until effective preventive measures are established. Pocheon, home to 140,000 residents, hosts three significant firing ranges used by South Korea and the U.S. military alike.
Subsequently, the military decided to pause all live-fire training nationwide. Analysts anticipate that exercises will resume once a thorough investigation identifies the accident’s cause and viable preventative measures are formulated.
Pocheon’s disaster response team reported injuries to six civilians and two soldiers, currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Among these, four civilians are in serious condition, including two foreigners from Thailand and Myanmar, respectively.
The incident also resulted in partial damage to three houses, a Catholic church, and a greenhouse, though none were directly impacted by the bombs, as stated by the Pocheon department.
