In a rare and unfortunate incident, South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight Mk82 bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the U.S. military, injuring more than 10 people. The incident occurred near a military training site in the city of Pocheon, according to official statements from the South Korean military.
South Korea’s Air Force said eight 500-pound (225 kg) Mk82 bombs from two KF-16 jets fell outside the shooting range during joint live-fire exercises.
An unidentified air force official told local reporters that a pilot of one of the KF-16s had entered wrong coordinates for a bombing site. An unidentified Defense Ministry official told reporters that further investigation was needed to determine why the second KF-16 also dropped bombs on a civilian area, as reported by AP
Reuters’ photographs from the scene showed shattered windows and a church building strewn with debris.
Following the incident, the South Korean military launched an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The injured individuals are expected to recover fully, and the military has pledged to provide them with all necessary support. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.
