South Korean soldiers stand guard near a bomb accident site outside a military live-fire training range in Pocheon on March 6, 2025. South Korea’s Air Force said on March 6, that one of its fighter jets had accidentally dropped eight bombs in the wrong place during a training exercise, resulting in civilians being injured. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP) / – South Korea OUT / NO USE AFTER MARCH 16, 2025 03:19:18 GMT – – SOUTH KOREA OUT / NO ARCHIVES – RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE
Pocheon, South Korea – A South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs outside a designated firing range during a training exercise on Thursday, resulting in civilian casualties and property damage.
The incident occurred around 10:00 AM local time (0100 GMT) in Pocheon, approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
“We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery,” the South Korean Air Force said in a statement, adding that an accident response committee has been established to investigate the cause. The military has also pledged compensation for damages.
The bombs are believed to have struck a village during a joint South Korea-US live-fire drill, according to the National Fire Agency. The explosion left four people seriously injured, with three others sustaining minor injuries. A church and parts of two houses were also damaged, forcing many residents to evacuate.
Eyewitness accounts describe the impact as devastating. “I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook. When I went outside, everything was in chaos,” a local resident, identified as Mr. Park, told Yonhap News Agency.
At a senior center nearly a kilometer away, the blast shattered windows, injuring a teacher and frightening elderly residents. “Fortunately, none of the seniors were hurt, but they were so frightened that we sent them all home,” the center’s director said.
This incident comes as South Korea and the United States prepare for their annual “Freedom Shield” military exercises, set to begin later this month. The two nations maintain a strong military alliance, with the US stationing tens of thousands of troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korean aggression.
South Korea has experienced similar military mishaps in the past. In 2022, a Hyunmu-2 ballistic missile misfired and crashed into a military golf course in Gangwon province. Fortunately, that incident caused no injuries.
Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and necessary measures will be taken to prevent future accidents.
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