South Korean Fighter Jet Mishap: Bombs Accidentally Released, Leaving 8 Injured

"South Korean Fighter Jet Accident: Bombs Dropped, 8 Injured"

During a joint exercise, South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area, injuring eight people and prompting an investigation.

Alex Chen6 March 2025Last Update : 8 hours ago

South Korean fighter jet accidentally drops bombs, injures 8 people

apnews.com

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — On March 6, 2025, two South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the U.S. military, injuring eight individuals. The incident occurred in Pocheon, a city near the North Korean border, prompting an investigation by the South Korean Air Force into the cause of the accident.

6 Key Takeaways

Eight bombs dropped on civilian area
Eight people injured in the incident
Investigation committee to be established
Pocheon Mayor calls for drill suspension
Military suspends all live-fire drills
Damage includes houses and a church

Fast Answer: Two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a military exercise with the U.S. on March 6, 2025. The incident injured eight people, including two foreigners, and led to a suspension of all live-fire drills across South Korea while an investigation is underway.

The incident took place during a one-day military drill, where the KF-16 jets were conducting live-fire exercises. An air force official indicated that a pilot mistakenly input the wrong coordinates for the bombing site. The air force has announced plans to form a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and assess the extent of the damage caused.

According to local reports, the injured included six civilians and two soldiers, with four civilians in serious condition. Among the seriously injured were two foreigners, one from Thailand and another from Myanmar. The bombs caused damage to three houses, a Catholic church, and a greenhouse, although they did not appear to have been directly hit.

In response to the incident, Pocheon Mayor Paek Young-hyun expressed his concerns, labeling the bombings as “awful” and urging the military to halt drills in the area until reliable safety measures are established. The South Korean military has decided to suspend all live-fire exercises nationwide, with plans to resume once the investigation is complete and preventive measures are implemented.

Notice: Canadian readers should be aware that military exercises involving live munitions can pose risks to civilian areas. It is essential for military operations to prioritize safety and accuracy to prevent such incidents.

This accidental bombing highlights the potential dangers associated with military training exercises near populated areas. The South Korean Air Force has committed to addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of civilians in the future.