Four Thai nationals were among those injured when bombs dropped by fighter jets accidentally landed in a civilian district in South Korea last Thursday, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura.
The incident, which occurred during routine drills by the South Korean Air Force involving KF-16 aircraft near Pocheon, close to the North Korean border, resulted in injuries to fifteen people and caused damage to several homes and a church.
These exercises are conducted regularly to maintain combat readiness in response to potential threats from the North.
Among the injured, four were Thai nationals; one of whom suffered injuries to the hands and legs and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The other three sustained minor injuries and have returned to their residence for recuperation.
South Korean authorities have committed to covering all medical treatments for the injured, Mr. Nikorndej confirmed.
The South Korean Air Force has issued an apology for the mishap and pledged support for those affected. This incident marks the first time civilians have been injured during joint South Korean and US military exercises since the Korean War ended, according to the Air Force.
The Royal Thai Embassy is in contact with the injured Thai nationals and will closely monitor their recovery, added Mr. Nikorndej.
The South Korean Defence Ministry disclosed on Friday that the number of people injured had escalated to 29, with 15 of those being civilians, Reuters reported.
Oh Moung-su, a 65-year-old resident, recounted the terrifying moment: “There was a sudden loud roar from a fighter jet, then an explosion. I arrived at the scene to find about four houses severely damaged and people injured.”
“Dusk and smoke rose into the sky, water gushed from a pipe. People in a vehicle headed to a construction site were hurt—some couldn’t even get out of the car. Another person was outside the car, covering his eye.”
The Air Force explained that eight 500-pound (225kg) Mk82 bombs from two KF-16 jets fell outside the designated shooting range during joint live-fire exercises.
“We regret the damage caused by this abnormal drop accident and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” stated the Air Force in a release.
The error was due to a pilot entering incorrect coordinates, a military official said, preferring to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. The official further clarified that each of the two jets dropped four bombs, all of which detonated.
Authorities have suspended live-fire exercises pending a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the error. However, this incident will not affect the schedule of major upcoming joint South Korean and U.S. military exercises set to begin on Monday, the official noted.
