A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when two South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area, injuring 15 civilians and 14 soldiers. The country’s defence ministry confirmed the rising casualty count, which includes individuals suffering from ear damage, migraines, and anxiety due to the blasts.
The explosions caused widespread panic, shaking homes and buildings in the affected area. Defence Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu provided the latest updates on the incident during a press conference on Friday.
Bombs Dropped Due to Pilot Error, Military Suspends Live-Fire Exercises Temporarily
The mishap took place in Pocheon, a town located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Seoul, near the North Korean border. The bombs fell outside the designated military training area, leading to significant destruction. Video footage captured the intensity of the blasts, further fueling public concern. According to officials, nine of the injured individuals have been hospitalized, with two in serious condition.
Accidental Bombing by South Korean Fighter Jets Leaves 29 InjuredInvestigations revealed that the accident was caused by a pilot entering incorrect coordinates, resulting in eight 500-pound (225 kg) Mk82 bombs being dropped outside the planned target range. In response, the military has suspended all live-fire exercises until the cause of the error is fully understood. Despite the severity of the incident, officials assured that it would not affect the upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, set to begin on Monday.
Public Outcry and Calls for an End to Risky Military Exercises
The accident has sparked outrage among residents and activists, who gathered near the defence ministry in Seoul on Friday to demand an end to military drills in civilian areas. Protesters argued that these exercises put innocent lives at risk and questioned the overall purpose of such drills. A local resident, Lee Myoung-won, expressed his frustration, stating that the people of Pocheon were increasingly skeptical about the security benefits of these operations.
As the investigation continues, authorities have promised to take corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The suspension of live-fire drills will remain in effect until military officials can ensure the safety of training exercises. Meanwhile, the affected community continues to demand greater accountability and stricter protocols to safeguard civilians from military-related accidents.