South Korea: 15 Injured After KF-16 Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs in Civilian Area

Synopsis

On March 6, 2023, fifteen people were injured in South Korea when two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs outside a training range during live-fire drills. This unprecedented incident damaged several buildings in Pocheon and prompted an investigation by the Air Force.

Key Takeaways

Fifteen injured due to mistaken bombing in South Korea.
Incident occurred in Pocheon, damaging multiple buildings.
Investigation initiated by Air Force leadership.
First accidental bombing by South Korean jets resulting in injuries.
Residents evacuated to nearby shelters.

Seoul, March 6 (NationPress) A total of fifteen individuals sustained injuries on Thursday in South Korea when two Air Force KF-16 fighter jets inadvertently released eight air-to-surface bombs outside a designated training range during live-fire exercises, as reported by military officials and fire authorities. This incident marks a rare case of mistaken bombing affecting a civilian area.

The incident occurred over a village in Pocheon, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, around 10 a.m.. The bombing resulted in injuries to fifteen individuals, including two soldiers and two foreigners, causing damage to a church and seven other structures.

According to fire authorities, two male civilians were seriously hurt and taken to the hospital; however, their facial and shoulder injuries are not life-threatening. An additional eight individuals with minor injuries have also been admitted for medical attention.

Authorities anticipate that the number of injured may increase as more locals seek treatment.

Approximately 50 residents from the vicinity have evacuated to a nearby town hall to escape the area affected by the bombing.

Military officials indicated that the KF-16 jets, participating in a live-fire exercise, 'abnormally' discharged four MK-82 bombs each outside the training range in Pocheon at 10:04 a.m.

The Air Force has initiated an investigation into the incident, led by Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Ki-wan, and expressed regret for the harm caused to civilians.

"We sincerely apologize for the civilian damage resulting from this abnormal bomb release incident and wish for the rapid recovery of the injured," stated the Air Force. "We will take all necessary actions, including compensation for the damages incurred."

This incident is reported to be the first accidental bombing by South Korean fighter jets that resulted in casualties, according to Yonhap news agency.

In 2004, an Air Force F-5B mistakenly released a practice bomb over Boryeong, located 138 kilometers south of Seoul, but there were no injuries in that incident.

Earlier that day, South Korea and the United States conducted combined live-fire exercises near the inter-Korean border, demonstrating military strength in response to threats from the North Korean military ahead of their annual springtime exercise scheduled for this month.

The exercise took place at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 kilometers south of the border, involving over 160 pieces of military equipment, including K2 tanks, K55A1 self-propelled howitzers, Apache attack helicopters, and F-35A stealth jets, as reported by the Army.