Fighter jet mishap in South Korea: Accidentally drops bombs on civilian area, 8 injured

On Thursday during a training session a KF-16 fighter jet operated by South Korean forces dropped eight bombs into civilian territory by mistake. Eight people received injuries when the incident happened within Pocheon where North Korean border proximity makes it news in Reuters. Pocheon stands situated forty kilometers in the direction of northeast Seoul.

Air Force statement from South Korea

According to an Air Force statement from South Korea the MK-82 bombs which were released abnormally from a KF-16 fighter jet dropped outside the firing range and resulted in unknown civilian damage. The Air Force plans to investigate the accident through a specialized committee while reviewing the extent of civilian damage according to the Associated Press statement.As part of the air force’s joint live-firing drills with the army the fighter jet performed responsibilities according to the statement. The air force organization took responsibility for civilian damage and wished for a swift recovery of injured civilians. The organization committed to actively provide victims with compensation and other required assistance.

6 civilians and 2 soldiers injured

Six civilians together with two soldiers received wounds according to Yonhap news agency. Yonhap reported that two patients sustained serious injuries which did not endanger their lives although the report did not mention other serious patients. The incident caused damage to seven buildings. The official at Gyeonggi-do Bukbu Fire Services disclosed to Reuters that two people suffered serious injuries among the eight individuals who received wounds.

U.S.-South Korean alliance target

People who live in Pocheon have actively protested since numerous years about dangerous disturbances that stem from training activities near their area. The defence ministry of South Korea announced that their armed forces together with US forces started joint live-fire exercises within Pocheon as part of upcoming military drills. The annual Freedom Shield exercise of South Korea and the United States will begin its execution on Monday. The joint exercises between the U.S.-South Korean alliance target to improve their readiness against potential threats from North Korea during an operation period extending until March 20.