The South Korean Air Force reported an unintentional dropping of eight bombs from KF-16 fighter jets on a training mission outside a firing range, Yonhap news agency reported.
The latest reports said at least 15 people were injured in the incident as the bombs hit residential buildings in Pocheon.
A joint South Korean-US exercise was taking place at a firing range near this city.
TASS has compiled the key facts about the accidental bomb release.
Joint maneuvers
- On Thursday, the United States and the Republic of Korea held live-fire exercises at a training ground just 25 kilometers away from the North Korean border, Yonhap reported.
- Around 160 combat vehicles and aircraft, including tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters, participated in the maneuvers.
- South Korean fighter jets reportedly fired around 30 projectiles.
Accidental bomb release
- The South Korean Air Force said eight MK-82 bombs had been dropped from KF-16 fighter jets outside the training range during training.
- Seven buildings, including a church, were damaged in the city, according to Yonhap.
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
- South Korean bomb experts are clearing unexploded ordnance.
- Local residents have been advised to evacuate during the operation.
Reasons behind bomb incident
- The bombs were dropped after a pilot entered incorrect coordinates, Yonhap quoted the South Korean Air Forces as explaining.
- South Korea’s Army has decided to put all live-fire exercises on pause until the reasons for the mistaken release of air bombs have been established.
- The decision will even affect live-fire exercises as part of the annual Freedom Shield exercise scheduled to begin on Monday.
- The Pocheon mayor has approached the central government with a similar request.
Civilian injuries
- At least 15 people, including two foreigners and two servicemen, have been injured in the unintentional release of bombs.
- Ten people have been hospitalized, two of whom are in serious condition.
