Fifteen people were injured on Thursday after two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 air-to-surface bombs outside a designated training range in Pocheon, a city located 40 kilometres north of Seoul.
The incident, described as an unprecedented military accident, has prompted an investigation and an official apology from the South Korean Air Force.
According to military officials, the fighter jets were participating in live-fire exercises when they “abnormally” released four bombs each at 10:04 a.m. outside the designated strike area.
Initial findings suggest that pilot error was the cause, as one of the pilots had incorrectly entered the target coordinates prior to take-off.
The mistake resulted in the bombs being dropped over a village approximately 8 kilometres away from the intended target.
The explosion caused injuries to 15 people, including two soldiers and two foreign nationals.
Fire authorities reported that two civilian men sustained serious injuries to their face and shoulder, though their conditions were not life-threatening.
Eight others with minor injuries were taken to hospitals, and officials anticipate the number of injured individuals to rise as more people seek medical attention.
The bombing also caused significant property damage, with a church and seven other buildings affected. Local authorities evacuated residents from approximately 40 households to a nearby town hall as a precautionary measure.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, “We will compensate to the full extent of the mental, physical, and property damage inflicted upon the residents.”
He assured the public that the military would thoroughly investigate the matter, hold those responsible accountable, and implement measures to prevent similar accidents.
Military officials confirmed that all live-fire drills have been suspended until the exact cause of the accident is determined. However, the annual South Korea–U.S. Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled to begin on 11 March, will proceed as planned.
Authorities are in discussions regarding potential modifications to on-field training.
The accident occurred just hours after South Korean and U.S. troops conducted joint live-fire drills near the inter-Korean border, demonstrating military readiness against North Korean threats.
The exercise at the Seungjin Fire Training Field involved over 160 pieces of military hardware, including K2 tanks, Apache attack helicopters, and F-35A stealth jets.
Military investigators, alongside fire and local government officials, are scheduled to conduct a safety inspection of the bombing site on Friday.
Meanwhile, the city government of Pocheon has activated a disaster control headquarters to manage the aftermath of the accident.
The incident marks the first time South Korean fighter jets have mistakenly bombed a civilian area, resulting in casualties.
A similar accident occurred in 2004 when an Air Force F-5B mistakenly dropped a practice bomb over Boryeong, 138 kilometres south of Seoul, though no injuries were reported at the time.
A defence ministry official confirmed that in addition to the pilot’s error, investigators are examining whether proper procedures were followed in verifying the target coordinates before take-off.
Authorities are also investigating potential lapses in air traffic control, as the jets deviated from their planned flight path due to the incorrect coordinates.
As the investigation continues, military leaders have pledged to enhance safety education and review procedures for handling aerial armament to prevent similar accidents in the future.
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