Pocheon: Fifteen people were injured Thursday after two Air Force KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight air-to-surface bombs outside a training range during live-fire drills, military officials and fire authorities said, in an unprecedented mistaken bombing on a civilian town. Authorities reported that the incident occurred over a village in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, causing injuries to civilians and military personnel and damaging several buildings.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the bombing resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, including two soldiers and two foreigners. The incident damaged a church and seven other buildings. Fire authorities confirmed that two civilian men sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized, although their conditions are not life-threatening. Additionally, eight others with minor injuries were also transported to hospitals for treatment. Authorities anticipate that the number of injured may increase as more individuals seek medical assistance.
Approximately 40 households in the affected area evacuated to a town hall positioned away from the bombing site. Military officials disclosed that the KF-16 fighter jets involved in a live-fire exercise released four MK-82 bombs each outside the designated training range in Pocheon at 10:04 a.m. An initial investigation suggests that pilot error may have led to the accident, with one pilot reportedly entering incorrect strike target coordinates before take-off.
The Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident, led by Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Ki-wan, and issued an apology for the civilian damage. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su committed to fully compensating for the damages and enhancing safety education and procedures. "We will compensate to the full extent of the mental, physical and property damage inflicted upon the residents," Lee stated, expressing his responsibility for the incident.
This incident marks the first accidental bombing by South Korean fighter jets resulting in casualties. In a previous incident in 2004, an Air Force F-5B mistakenly released a practice bomb over Boryeong, but no injuries occurred. Earlier in the day, South Korea and the United States conducted combined live-fire drills near the inter-Korean border, demonstrating military strength against North Korean threats. The exercise mobilized over 160 pieces of military hardware, including tanks, howitzers, helicopters, and stealth jets.
A defense ministry official announced the suspension of all live-fire drills until the accident's exact cause is determined. While the Freedom Shield exercise will proceed as planned, authorities are considering changes to on-field training. Military officials, fire authorities, and local government representatives plan to conduct a safety inspection of the accident site. The Pocheon city government has activated a disaster control headquarters to manage the accident's aftermath.