South Korean Military Under Fire After Jets Bomb Residential Neighborhood
- International Affairs Korea The Pacific
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 4 minutes read
Pocheon, South Korea, March 6 – A serious military accident occurred in South Korea when fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area during a live-fire exercise in Pocheon, a city located 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Seoul, near the heavily militarized border with North Korea. The incident resulted in 15 injuries, including two severe cases, and caused significant damage to homes and a church. According to South Korea’s Air Force and fire agency, the mishap took place when two KF-16 fighter jets accidentally released eight 500-pound (225 kg) Mk82 bombs outside the designated shooting range. All bombs detonated, leading to extensive destruction. The accident was attributed to a pilot entering incorrect coordinates, as confirmed by a military official who spoke on anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Residents described the event as terrifying. Oh Moung-su (65), a resident, recalled, “There was a sudden loud roar of a fighter jet, then an explosion rang out… When I went to the scene, there were about four houses that were halved from the damage, and people hurt.” The impact caused thick smoke and dust to rise into the air, broken water pipes to gush out, and left several people trapped in vehicles. Some injured victims were unable to escape their cars, while others suffered from shrapnel injuries. Photographs from the scene show severely damaged houses, shattered windows, and debris-strewn streets, with a church building also sustaining damage.
Following the incident, South Korea’s Air Force issued an apology, stating: “We are sorry for the damage caused by the abnormal drop accident, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.” Authorities have announced a temporary suspension of live-fire exercises until a thorough investigation determines the cause of the mistake. However, officials emphasized that this will not affect the upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which are set to begin on Monday. For years, residents in Pocheon and surrounding areas have raised concerns about the dangers and disturbances caused by nearby military training grounds. This incident has intensified public outrage, with many calling for stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.The accidental bombing in Pocheon highlights the risks associated with military training near civilian areas. While the South Korean Air Force has acknowledged its error, the incident raises questions about safety protocols and oversight in live-fire drills. Moving forward, a detailed investigation and revised safety measures will be crucial to preventing similar accidents and ensuring civilian safety.