On Thursday, a grave incident occurred in Pocheon, South Korea, when two KF-16 fighter jets accidentally released eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs over a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise. The mishap resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, including two with serious wounds, and caused significant damage to residential properties and a church, according to Reuters.

Officials stand near damaged buildings after South Korea’s Air Force said that Mk82 bombs fell from a KF-16 jet outside the shooting range during joint live-fire exercises near the demilitarized zone separating two Koreas in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

Police officers walk at an area cordoned off after Mk82 bombs fell outside the shooting range during joint live-fire exercises near the demilitarized zone separating two Koreas in Pocheon, South Korea, March 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

The South Korean Air Force attributed the accident to a pilot’s error in inputting coordinates, leading the bombs to fall outside the designated training range. The exercise was part of preparations for the annual Freedom Shield military drills, scheduled to commence on March 10 in collaboration with U.S. forces.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos following the unexpected explosions, recounting the “sudden roar of a fighter jet,” the sound of an explosion, houses “halved from the damage,” and people scattered and injured, some trapped in vehicles and bleeding profusely.

In response to the incident, the South Korean Air Force issued an apology, expressing deep regret for the unintended damage and extending wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. They have suspended all live-fire exercises pending a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

Pocheon, located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Seoul and near the heavily militarized border with North Korea, has a history of hosting military drills. Residents have long expressed concerns about the proximity of these exercises to civilian areas, fearing potential accidents. This recent event has intensified calls for reassessing the safety protocols of such drills.

As investigations continue, affected residents are receiving support, and repair efforts for damaged structures are underway.