On Thursday, South Korea’s Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young Su spoke out about the Pocheon bombing incident, which resulted in 15 people being injured. He apologized for the significant concern caused by the incident, stating, “We will conduct safety training for our personnel and enhance verification procedures.”
In his statement, Lee took full responsibility for the anxiety caused to the public due to the accidental drop during live-fire exercises with Air Force fighter jets. He expressed his sincere regret to the injured residents who suffered property damage in this unexpected incident during their peaceful daily lives.
The Air Force is treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and will conduct a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Lee emphasized that measures will be implemented to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
In response to the incident, the Air Force will implement extensive safety training for all personnel handling aviation munitions, including pilots, and enhance verification procedures. Lee also assured the affected residents that the Air Force would compensate them for mental, physical, and property damages to the fullest extent possible.
According to reports from the Air Force and local fire authorities, at approximately 10:04 AM (KST), eight air-to-ground bombs dropped by the Air Force struck a private residence in Nogok-ri, Idong-myeon, Pocheon City. The incident has resulted in 15 injuries so far, with two of the three civilians in a pickup truck at the time suffering serious injuries.