SEOUL, March 6. /TASS/. At least 15 people have been injured in an accidental release of bombs from South Korean KF-16 fighter jets over the city of Pocheon, northeast of the capital Seoul, during training, Yonhap news agency reported.
The bomb incident occurred outside a firing range near the North Korean border where a joint US and South Korean exercise was conducted. Around 160 combat vehicles and aircraft, including tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters, took part in the maneuvers. Earlier reports said eight MK-82 bombs were dropped, and later the news agency clarified that two KF-16 fighters had dropped four bombs each.
Seven buildings, including a church, were damaged in the city. While the news agency initially said seven people had been injured, it later updated the number to 15, stating that two foreigners and two servicemen were among the injured. Ten people have been hospitalized, two of whom were seriously hurt.
Bomb experts have arrived at the scene to clear unexploded ordnance. Local residents have been advised to evacuate during the operation. The South Korean Air Force expressed regret for causing civilian damage and injuries and said it would be prepared to offer compensation.
According to Yonhap, this marks the first such incident in the Republic of Korea since an F-5B fighter mistakenly dropped a training bomb on Boryeong in 2004, causing no injuries.