15 Injured, 2 Seriously, After South Korea Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop 8 Bombs Over Village: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

At least 15 people have been injured after two fighter jets in South Korea accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian district, according to local media reports.

On Thursday, March 6, at approximately 10 a.m. local time, the Air Force KF-16 aircrafts mistakenly released the bombs outside a designated training range during live-fire drills, per local news agencyYonhap, citing military officials and fire authorities.

The bombings took place over a village in Pocheon, which is approximately 25 miles north of Seoul, according to the news agency.

According toNBC News, the bombings happened during a live-fire joint exercise with U.S. forces, the South Korean Air Force and fire officials said. The South Korean Air Force said the eight bombs were “abnormally released” outside the designated firing range.

TheBBCandThe Korea Heraldreported that two people had been seriously injured in the incident. The latter added that 13 people sustained minor injuries, citing an update from fire authorities at around 2 p.m. Those injured are reported to have been taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Fighter jets in South Korea accidentally dropped eight bombs over a village in Pocheon.Xinhua/Shutterstock

Xinhua/Shutterstock

The publication stated that a 60-year-old had undergone surgery after getting shrapnel embedded in their neck in the accidental bombing, while another person suffered a fractured shoulder.

Five of the injured have been identified as soldiers, military officials confirmed, perThe Korea Herald.

Around 50 residents in the area have been evacuated to a town hall away from where the bombs hit, Yonhap reported.

According to NBC News, the South Korean Air Force said four of the bombs misfired because one of the pilots entered incorrect coordinates during the flight preparation process. Further investigation was needed to determine why the second jet incorrectly dropped the four other bombs, the air force said, per the outlet.

Fighter jets in South Korea accidentally dropped eight bombs over a village in Pocheon.YONHAP/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

YONHAP/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

South Korea’s Air Force said in a statement, “We are sorry for the civilian damage from the abnormal (bomb) release accident and wish for the swift recovery of those injured,” according to Yonhap. “We will actively take all necessary measures, including compensation for the damage.”

An air force official toldCNNofficials have not ruled out the possibility of a malfunction.

Homes, a church and a warehouse are reported to be among the structures damaged in the bombing, according toThe Chosun Daily.

Fighter jets in South Korea accidentally dropped eight bombs over a village in Pocheon.JEON HEON-KYUN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

JEON HEON-KYUN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun said in a press briefing after visiting the area, “The site of the accident where the bombs were dropped is absolute chaos and reminds us of an actual battleground,” perThe Korea Herald.

“I request the government and military authorities to completely halt all military exercises from now on until they come up with measures that could convince the people of Pocheon,” he added, according to the publication.

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The live-fire drills involving South Korea’s Air Force and Army along with United States Forces Korea were taking place near the inter-Korean border, the outlet reported.

source: people.com