SEOUL, March 6. GCT- An accidental bomb release from South Korean KF-16 fighter jets during a training exercise over Pocheon, a city northeast of Seoul, has resulted in at least 15 injuries, according to Yonhap news agency.
The incident took place outside a designated firing range near the North Korean border during a joint military exercise involving the US and South Korea, which included about 160 combat vehicles and aircraft such as tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters. Initially, it was reported that eight MK-82 bombs were dropped, but it was later clarified that two KF-16 jets had each released four bombs.
The mishap led to damage to seven buildings in Pocheon, including a church. Initially, reports indicated seven injuries, but this number was revised to 15, with the injured including two foreigners and two servicemen. Out of the injured, ten were hospitalized, with two in serious condition.
Bomb disposal experts have been dispatched to the area to deal with any unexploded ordnance, and local residents have been advised to evacuate for their safety. The South Korean Air Force has issued an apology for the civilian damage and injuries, promising compensation.
Yonhap reported that this is the first such incident in South Korea since 2004, when an F-5B fighter jet accidentally dropped a training bomb on Boryeong, which fortunately caused no injuries.
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