It has been reported by South Korea’s air force that during a training exercise, one of its fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight bombs in the wrong location, causing injuries to civilians.
The air force stated on Thursday, “Eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were accidentally released from an Air Force KF-16 aircraft, landing outside of the designated firing range.”
The incident took place at around 10am (01:00 GMT) in Pocheon, located about 25km (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
The air force expressed regret for the unintended release of the bombs leading to civilian casualties and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured.
An accident response committee has been set up to investigate the incident and all necessary measures, including compensation for damages, will be taken.
The military jet was taking part in a joint live-fire exercise involving both the Air Force and Army, as stated by the air force.
According to state-funded Yonhap News Agency, South Korea was conducting combined live-fire drills with the United States in Pocheon on Thursday.
The National Fire Agency of South Korea mentioned that the bombs were believed to have fallen on a village during a joint exercise between South Korea and the US.
This resulted in casualties and property damage, with numerous displaced residents. Four individuals were severely injured and three sustained minor injuries.
One church building and portions of two houses were affected by the incident.
The joint South Korea-US “Freedom Shield” military exercises, one of the largest annual joint exercises of the security allies, are scheduled to commence later this month.
Since the 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, the two Koreas remain technically at war.
The US has stationed tens of thousands of soldiers in South Korea, partly to safeguard Seoul against Pyongyang.
