On March 6, around 15 people were injured after a KF-16 fighter jet dropped eight bombs in Pocheon during a joint military exercise between the U.S. and South Korean Air Forces.
A joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. and South Korean Air Forces in the South Korean city of Pocheon resulted in approximately 15 injuries. A KF-16 fighter jet accidentally released eight 500-pound MK-80 bombs in a civilian area.
The city, home to 160,000 residents, is located near the North Korean border. The South Korean Air Force informed the BBC that the bombs were released “abnormally” during the military drill.
“Our KF-16 accidentally dropped eight MK-82 bombs. They landed outside the designated firing range. We regret the damage caused by the accident and wish a swift recovery to the injured,” the institution said in a statement.
The fire department reported that two individuals sustained severe injuries. A video of the explosion shows the destruction caused by the bombs. A car can be seen on the street before disappearing into the smoke. Homes and a church were also damaged.
According to Reuters, an anonymous official stated that the incident might have been caused by a pilot error in entering incorrect coordinates during the drill.
Authorities have suspended live-ammunition exercises until the error’s cause is identified. Additional joint exercises between the U.S. and South Korea are scheduled for Monday, the 10th.
New video shows bombs hitting the South Korean city of Nogok.
The South Korean Air Force states that eight MK-82 bombs were accidentally dropped by a jet during a war drill with the U.S.
The MK-82 is a 500-pound bomb manufactured in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/YC3PRo2SiR
— KPR – Korea, Peace, and Reunification
(@KPR_Brasil) March 6, 2025
Photos: X @KPR_Brasil. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
