South Korean fighter jet accidentally drops bombs on civilian population

At least 15 people in South Korea sustained injuries after a pair of fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian population amidst a live-fire military exercise, according to local media.

The incident occurred in the afternoon in Pocheon city when the Air Force's KF-16 was flying near the border with North Korea.

The South Korean air force apologised for the incident, which damaged several buildings during a training exercise on Thursday. 

"Eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were abnormally released from an air force KF-16 aircraft, landing outside the designated firing range," the air force stated, adding that each bomb weighed about 225kg.

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The Air Force expressed regret over the unintended release of the bombs, resulting in civilian casualties, and wished those injured a swift recovery. 

An investigation into the incident was launched, with local media reporting that the bombs were dropped in error after a pilot inputted incorrect coordinates.

The military accident happened during a joint live-fire training exercise between the South Korean Air Force and the army, held in advance of the upcoming Freedom Shield drills with the US, scheduled for March 10-20. 

Preliminary exercises were suspended while military authorities tried to indentify the cause of the incident.

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Some people sustained fractures to their neck and shoulders, but none of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening. However, it was reported that two injured individuals were critically wounded by the bombs and were transported to the hospital in critical condition. 

A local resident, identified only by his surname Park, described the terrifying moment, saying he was watching TV at home when a massive explosion shook his house, likening the sound to a deafening thunderclap. When he went outside, everything was in chaos.