Two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area, injuring at least 15 people.
15 injured after South Korean jet drops bombs by mistake
Fifteen people were injured—two seriously—after South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area during a military exercise.
The mishap happened in the city of Pocheon, near the North Korean border, during routine drills meant to keep South Korea’s military prepared for potential threats from the North. Two Air Force KF-16 jets were involved in the accident, dropping a total of eight bombs.
South Korea’s Air Force has apologised for the incident, promising an investigation and compensation for those affected. While stray shells from military drills sometimes land near civilian areas, injuries are rare.
Local reports say two people suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders. The military confirmed that one pilot mistakenly entered the wrong coordinates, causing the bombs to hit a civilian district. It’s still unclear why the second jet also dropped its bombs.
As a precaution, all live-fire exercises have been suspended.
The blasts damaged homes and a church, with images from local media showing shattered windows and a collapsed roof. Authorities are now working to assess the full extent of the damage.