South Korean Air Force Bombing Accident Injures 15, Two in Critical Condition

South Korean Air Force Bombing Accident Injures 15, Two in Critical Condition

Pocheon, March 6 – A bombing accident caused by two fighter jets of the South Korean Air Force in Pocheon city has resulted in 15 people being injured, with two in critical condition. The incident occurred at 10:04 AM local time (01:04 GMT) when two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets were participating in a military shooting exercise.

The South Korean Air Force has stated that it has initiated an investigation into the incident and promised to compensate the victims.

Meanwhile, local media reported that among the injured, two sustained fractures to their neck and shoulder. One of the victims, a 60-year-old man, was driving his car when the explosion occurred, and a shell struck his neck.

"I was driving when I heard a 'boom,'" the man said. "When I regained consciousness, I was in an ambulance."

In a statement, the South Korean Air Force said, "Our KF-16 (fighter jets) mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs. The bombs fell outside the designated shooting area."

The Air Force further explained that one pilot mistakenly input incorrect coordinates, causing the bombs to land in civilian areas. However, they have not yet clarified why the second aircraft dropped the bombs.

Additionally, a local church and houses were damaged. Pictures published by local media showed broken windows in a building and damage to the church roof.

A local resident told Yonhap, "I was watching television when the explosion, which sounded like 'thunder,' shook our house."

The director of a local nursing home reported that the windows of the building were broken and one of their staff members was hospitalized. However, they added, "No elderly people were injured, but they were so frightened that we sent everyone home."

Pocheon authorities said that after the explosion, residents were moved to safe locations, and a bomb disposal team was working to safely deactivate any unexploded bombs. Later, authorities confirmed that no unexploded bombs were found at the scene.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense stated that today's exercise was a joint shooting drill with the United States.

South Korea and the United States are scheduled to conduct joint military drills from March 10 to March 20, marking the first after U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House. The drills are being held at a time when both countries are concerned about the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia.