A South Korean fighter jet has reportedly dropped bombs in error during a training drill, injuring 15 in the process.
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Per a report by the New York Post, a fighter jet accidentally dropped eight bombs during training on Thursday. The payload landed in a civilian area, and while authorities reported seven injuries at the time, that number has already increased to at least 15. The MK81 bombs the jet was carrying reportedly released "abnormally," causing unspecified damage to civilian property.
The jet was allegedly part of a live-firing drill between the Air Force and Army. The outlet explains that South Korean media reports the incident happened in Pocheon, which is close to the North Korean border. This is corroborated by the BBC, which reported that the South Korean military was holding routine drills to 'maintain combat readiness' against attacks from the North.
The Korean Airforce reportedly told the BBC in a statement, "Our KF-16 (fighter jet) abnormally dropped eight shells of MK-82 bombs. It landed outside of firing range."
The KF-16 aircraft pilot reportedly input the wrong coordinates, causing the bombs to drop in a civilian zone. A second aircraft allegedly dropped its bombs, too, and investigators are trying to determine why this happened. The Air Force has suspended all live-firing exercises pending an investigation.
The Fighter Jet Incident Is The First Of Its Kind In South Korea
According to a report by the Independent, the incident is believed to be the first of its kind. Authorities have not recorded an accidental bombing by a South Korean fighter jet resulting in civilian casualties before. The Air Force has apologized for the incident, pledging to take "all necessary measures" and to compensate for the damage.
Emergency services reportedly rushed two people to the hospital with serious injuries while doctors treated others for minor wounds. The bombs damaged a church and two houses. Yonhap News agency also reported that civilians evacuated the town and sheltered in the town hall while officials scanned the area for unexploded bombs.
Per multiple sources, locals have protested about the potential dangers of training areas nearby for numerous years.
