In a shocking incident on Thursday, South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on homes, injuring 15 civilians during a joint military drill with the United States.
The incident occurred around 10:07 a.m. local time in Pocheon, a city northeast of Seoul, when two KF-16 fighter jets dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside the designated bombing range.
The South Korean Air Force confirmed that the bombs had been released “abnormally,” and initial investigations pointed to human error, with the pilot mistakenly inputting incorrect coordinates.
The resulting blasts devastated two residential buildings, part of a church, and a truck. Thick smoke was seen rising from the explosion site, turning the scene into something resembling a warzone.
Among the injured, two civilians were reported to be seriously wounded, although none suffered from cardiac arrest or loss of consciousness.
The National Fire Agency confirmed the injuries but stated that the situation was under control.
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The fighter jets were participating in the “Freedom Shield” drills, an annual joint exercise with the U.S. military, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between the two nations.
These drills, scheduled to run from March 10 to March 20, are a regular part of the South Korean-U.S. military alliance, though they often provoke strong reactions from North Korea.
In response to the tragic accident, South Korea’s defense ministry halted all live-fire training until an investigation into the incident is completed. T
he Air Force also promised compensation for the damages caused and expressed sincere apologies, stating that the error “has caused civilian damage.”
The incident has shaken the residents of Pocheon, with Mayor Baek Young-hyun describing the aftermath as chaotic and unsettling.
