South Korean fighter jets accidentally drop bombs during drills, injuring 15 PHOTO / VIDEO / UPDATED

On March 6, fifteen people were injured after two South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jets accidentally released eight bombs outside a designated training range during live-fire drills, military and fire officials say.

Authorities received a report around 10 a.m. (local time) that a shell had struck a road near a house in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

The incident resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, including two soldiers and two foreigners, with minor to serious injuries and damaging a church and seven other buildings. A cargo vehicle was also damaged in the explosion.

Fire officials stated that two individuals suffered serious injuries, primarily bone fractures, while the remaining victims sustained minor wounds. All seven injured individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment and remain conscious.

According to military officials, the KF-16 fighter jets, participating in a live-fire exercise, “abnormally” released four MK-82 bombs each outside the designated training area in Pocheon at 10:04 a.m.

The South Korean Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident, with Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Ki-wan leading the probe. In an official statement, the Air Force issued an apology for the civilian casualties and property damage.

“We are sorry for the civilian damage from the abnormal (bomb) release accident and wish for the swift recovery of those injured,” the Air Force said. “We will actively take all necessary measures, including compensation for the damage.”

The mishap occurred on the same day that South Korea and the United States conducted combined live-fire drills near the inter-Korean border. The exercise, held at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, 25 kilometers south of the border, showcased more than 160 pieces of military hardware, including K2 tanks, K55A1 self-propelled howitzers, Apache attack helicopters, and F-35A stealth jets, in a demonstration of military readiness against North Korean threats ahead of annual springtime exercises.

The Air Force’s investigation will focus on determining the cause of the accidental bomb release and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

By Khagan Isayev