Seven people were injured, four of them seriously, in South Korea when a fighter jet accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian area during a military exercise on March 6, 2025. The incident occurred in Pocheon, a city near the North Korean border, at approximately 10:04 local time.
- Seven injured in South Korea from jet incident.
- Fighter jet dropped bombs in civilian area.
- One bomb exploded; seven unexploded bombs remain.
- Residents evacuated; damage to buildings reported.
- Investigation and compensation promised by Air Force.
- Joint military drills with US forces ongoing.
The incident involved an Air Force KF-16 aircraft, which dropped the bombs outside of the designated firing range. Only one bomb detonated, while a bomb disposal team is currently working to safely dispose of the seven unexploded bombs. Local authorities reported that two of the injured individuals suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders.
In addition to the injuries, damage was reported to a church building and several houses in the vicinity. Images from local media show broken windows and damage to the roof of the church. The South Korean Air Force has issued an apology for the incident and stated that it is conducting an investigation. They also promised compensation for those affected.
This training exercise was part of a joint drill with US forces, scheduled to run from March 10 to March 20. The drills come amid heightened tensions due to the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, prompting South Korea and the US to strengthen their military cooperation.
This incident highlights the risks associated with military training exercises in civilian areas. While such exercises are common, they rarely result in injuries or damage, making this occurrence particularly concerning for local residents.