SEOUL, South Korea — On Thursday, a South Korean KF-16 fighter jet on a training mission mistakenly released eight bombs onto a populated area, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, according to reports.
The air force confirmed in a statement that the MK-82 bombs were “abnormally” discharged from the aircraft, landing outside the designated practice range and causing property damage to civilian structures.
The air force announced the formation of an investigative panel to determine the cause of the incident and assess the extent of the damages. The jet was participating in joint live-fire exercises with the army at the time of the mishap.
The air force issued an apology for the harm inflicted on civilians and expressed hopes for the swift recovery of those injured. They pledged to provide ample compensation and assistance to those affected.
The air force’s announcement omitted the location of the accident. However, South Korean news outlets reported the incident occurred in Pocheon, a city near the North Korean border.
Yonhap news agency stated that five civilians and two military personnel sustained injuries. The agency indicated that two of the injured were in serious condition, though their lives were not in danger. Seven buildings were also damaged, according to the report.
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