A South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs in a civilian area during a training exercise on Thursday, injuring multiple people and causing significant property damage. The incident occurred around 10:00 am local time (0100 GMT) in Pocheon, a city located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
According to the South Korean Air Force, the bombs were “abnormally released” outside the designated firing range. Reports indicate that the error was caused by a pilot mistakenly inputting the wrong coordinates.
Casualties and Damage
South Korea’s National Fire Agency confirmed that the misplaced bombing resulted in at least 15 injuries, including two people in serious condition. Some of the injured suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders, while one individual driving at the time had shrapnel lodged in their neck. The victims included South Korean citizens as well as foreign residents from Thailand and Myanmar.
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The impact of the explosions damaged several buildings, including a church, two houses, and other structures. A local resident described the moment, saying, “I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook. When I went outside, everything was in chaos.”
At a senior citizen center about a kilometer away from the explosion site, windows shattered from the blast, and a staff member was injured. Although no seniors were physically harmed, they were left terrified and sent home for safety.
Photographs from the scene show shattered windows, debris-strewn streets, and structural damage to homes, warehouses, and a greenhouse. A one-tonne truck was also reported damaged.
Immediate Military and Government Response
The South Korean Air Force has launched an accident response committee to investigate the incident and has pledged to provide compensation to the victims. A military cordon was established around the affected area as authorities worked to confirm that all eight bombs had detonated and that no unexploded ordnance remained.
The government temporarily evacuated residents as a precaution. However, authorities later confirmed that all dropped bombs had exploded on impact. South Korea’s Defense Ministry stated that all live-fire military exercises would be suspended while investigators determine the full extent of the error and implement measures to prevent similar accidents.
Context: US-South Korea Military Drills
The accident occurred during a joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, ahead of the larger annual Freedom Shield drills, scheduled to take place from March 10 to March 20. These drills are aimed at strengthening the two allies’ military preparedness against North Korea.
North Korea has long condemned these exercises, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion. This year’s Freedom Shield drills hold added significance, given the deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Russia.
Similar Military Mishaps in South Korea
This is not the first time a South Korean military exercise has gone awry. In 2022, a Hyunmu-2 short-range ballistic missile crashed onto a military golf course after a failed launch, causing panic but no injuries. In another joint drill the same year, a malfunctioning missile burst into flames after crashing, although it did not explode.
South Korea’s military has faced criticism in recent years over safety concerns related to its training exercises, with residents in military training zones frequently raising complaints about noise, disruptions, and potential danger.
Voices from the Affected Community
Local residents were left shaken by the incident, with many expressing fear and frustration over the dangers posed by military drills near civilian areas. Cheon Man-ho, a 68-year-old resident living just 20 meters from where one of the bombs fell, described the destruction: “The roof collapsed, windows shattered, and trees were all broken. When I went to see what was happening, everything was destroyed and black smoke was rising.”
Lee Poong-seop, a 65-year-old business owner, said, “I was cleaning the car center when suddenly there was a ‘boom’ sound, and the building shook violently. I’ve lived here my whole life but never heard such a loud sound.” Many displaced residents are now seeking government assistance as they recover from the damage to their homes and businesses.
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As investigations continue, South Korea’s military is under pressure to implement stronger safety measures to prevent future training accidents. While compensation has been promised to affected civilians, concerns remain about the risks associated with military exercises in areas close to residential communities.