South Korean Air Force fighter jet mistakenly drops bombs near Seoul, 15 injured

On the morning of March 5, two KF-16 fighter jets of the South Korean Air Force accidentally dropped bombs outside a training area during a live-fire exercise, injuring 15 people and damaging many structures.

A South Korean Air Force fighter jet accidentally dropped a bomb, causing property damage and injuring many people.

The incident occurred at around 10am (8am Vietnam time) in a village in Pocheon city, 40km north of Seoul, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. Military officials said two KF-16 fighter jets dropped a total of eight MK-82 bombs outside the permitted range of the Pocheon shooting range.

Among the 15 injured were two soldiers and two foreigners. The bomb hit a church and seven other buildings.

Firefighters said two men were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, while eight others were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The number of injured could rise as several others also required medical attention.

About 50 residents in the area were evacuated to the town hall for safety.

In an official statement, the South Korean Air Force apologized and pledged to help with the aftermath: "We deeply regret the unintentional bombing incident that affected civilians. We hope for the quick recovery of those injured and will take necessary measures, including compensation for damages."

The scene of the unusual accident.

This is the first time a South Korean fighter jet has accidentally dropped a bomb, causing casualties. Previously, in 2004, an F-5B aircraft accidentally dropped a bomb on the city of Boryeong, 138 km south of Seoul, but no one was injured.

The incident took place in the context of South Korea and the US holding a joint live-fire exercise at the Seungjin Shooting Range in Pocheon, just 25 km from the inter-Korean border. This exercise mobilized more than 160 military equipment, including K2 tanks, K55A1 self-propelled guns, Apache helicopters and F-35A stealth fighters.

This is an activity to show strength against military threats, preparing for the annual Spring exercise between the two countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tai-nan-chua-tung-co-chien-dau-co-cua-khong-quan-han-quoc-tha-nham-loat-bom-gan-thu-do-seoul-15-nguoi-bi-thuong-306560.html