7 injured after KF-16 fighter jets accidentally drop bombs outside training range

Seven people were injured on March 6 after two Air Force KF-16 fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs outside a training range during live-fire drills, military officials and fire authorities said, Report informs via Yonhap.

Authorities said a report was received around 10 a.m. that a presumed shell fell on a road by a house in Pocheon, some 40 kilometers north of Seoul, leaving the seven people with minor to serious injuries, and destroying a church and six other buildings in the village.

Fire authorities said two people sustained serious injuries, noting most of the injuries were bone fractures, while all of those injured remain conscious.

A cargo vehicle was also damaged from the incident.

All seven injured have been taken to hospitals for treatment.

Military officials said the KF-16 fighter jets taking part in a live-fire exercise "abnormally" released four MK-82 bombs each outside the training range in Pocheon at 10:04 a.m. local time.

The Air Force said it is conducting an investigation into the accident, headed by Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Ki-wan, and apologized for the damage to civilians.

"We are sorry for the civilian damage from the abnormal (bomb) release accident and wish for the swift recovery of those injured," the Air Force said in a statement. "We will actively take all necessary measures, including compensation for the damage."