- Fifteen people were injured after bombs from South Korean fighter jets landed in a civilian area during military exercises.
- The accident occurred due to incorrect coordinates entered by a pilot.
- Authorities have suspended live-fire exercises while investigating the incident.
- The accident will not impact major South Korea-U.S. military drills set to begin next week.
- Bombs Accidentally Dropped in South Korean Civilian Area During Military Drills
Fifteen people were injured in South Korea on March 6 after bombs dropped by fighter jets landed in a civilian district in Pocheon, damaging houses and a church. The South Korean Air Force and fire agency confirmed the incident, stating that two of the injured suffered serious wounds.
Pocheon is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Seoul, near the heavily militarized border with North Korea.
Cause of the Incident: Pilot Error
The Air Force reported that two KF-16 fighter jets were conducting joint live-fire exercises when eight 500-pound (225kg) Mk82 bombs fell outside the designated shooting range. A military official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that the accident was caused by a pilot inputting incorrect coordinates. All eight bombs detonated upon impact.
“We are sorry for the damage caused by the abnormal drop accident, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Suspension of Live-Fire Drills
Authorities have announced the suspension of live-fire exercises until a thorough investigation determines the exact cause of the error. However, officials confirmed that this incident would not affect the upcoming joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises scheduled to begin on March 10.
Residents’ Longstanding Concerns
Residents in the area have long protested the disturbances and potential dangers posed by nearby military training grounds. The explosion caused significant damage, with images showing a house severely impacted, shattered windows, and debris scattered around a church building.
Security camera footage aired on local television captured the moment of the explosion, showing a pickup truck driving on a tree-lined street just before a massive blast engulfed the area.
“The unthinkable has happened,” said Pocheon city mayor Baeck Young-hyeun, urging the government and military to implement measures to prevent further civilian damage.
Freedom Shield Drills to Proceed as Planned
Earlier on Thursday, the defense ministry had confirmed that South Korea and U.S. forces were conducting their first joint live-fire exercises in Pocheon as part of preparations for the larger Freedom Shield military drills. These drills, running from March 10 to 20, aim to enhance the alliance’s readiness against threats, particularly from North Korea.
This year’s exercises will incorporate “lessons learned from recent armed conflicts” and address concerns about North Korea’s growing ties with Russia, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
“Our planners look across the globe and identify the trends that are changing and we look at how we can incorporate that into our exercises,” said Ryan Donald, spokesperson for the United States Forces Korea (USFK).
Approximately 70 field training sessions are planned for this year’s exercise, according to Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for Seoul’s JCS.
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Source: RAPPLER
