A South Korean fighter jet accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area during training, in Pocheon, South Korea, on March 6, 2025. Yonhap/AP
Pocheon, South Korea – A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs during a live-fire training exercise on Thursday, March 6, 2025, injuring several civilians and causing significant damage to residential areas.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:07 AM (local time) in Pocheon, a city located around 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea. The South Korean Air Force confirmed that the bombs landed outside the designated firing range due to an “abnormal release.”
Casualties and Damage
According to the South Korean National Fire Agency, 15 civilians were injured, including two seriously wounded. No fatalities have been reported, but several homes, a church building, and a truck were damaged. Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with thick smoke rising from the impact site.
One local resident, Mr. Park, told Yonhap News Agency:
“I suddenly heard an enormous explosion, like a thunderclap, and the whole house shook. When I stepped outside, it looked like a warzone.”
Even a senior care center, located nearly a kilometer away, felt the impact.
“Windows shattered, and one of our teachers was injured. The seniors were so frightened that we had to send them home,” said the center’s director.
Military Response and Investigation
The South Korean Ministry of Defense has launched an urgent investigation into the cause of the incident. Initial findings suggest that the accident was due to an incorrect coordinate input by the pilot during the drill.
“We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties. We will take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages,” the Air Force said in a statement.
As a precaution, all live-fire training involving fighter jets has been suspended until the investigation is completed.
US-South Korea Joint Drills and Rising Regional Tensions
The joint military exercise was part of the annual “Freedom Shield” drills between South Korea and the United States, scheduled to officially begin on March 10. These large-scale exercises are designed to enhance military coordination but have been met with strong criticism from North Korea, which views them as provocative acts of war.
Historical Context
This is not the first time a South Korean military exercise has resulted in an accident. In 2022, a Hyunmu-2 ballistic missile crashed into a military golf course due to a malfunction during a missile drill response to North Korea. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident.
As the investigation continues, the South Korean government has pledged to support affected residents and prevent similar mishaps in the future.
📌 Follow this developing story for more updates.
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