South Korean fighter jet accidentally drops eight bombs, injuring its own civilians | In Pics

South Korea's Air Force on Thursday reported that one of its fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in an incorrect location during a training exercise, leading to civilian injuries.

The Air Force stated that eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were unintentionally released from an Air Force KF-16 aircraft, landing outside the designated firing range, AFP reported.

The incident took place at approximately 10:00 am (0100 GMT) in Pocheon, located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea.

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“We deeply regret the unintended release of the bombs, which resulted in civilian casualties, and wish those injured a swift recovery,” the Air Force said in a statement, according to the AFP report.

It said it had established an accident response committee to investigate the incident, and said it would “take all necessary measures, including compensation for damages”.

The Air Force said the military jet had been “participating in a joint live-fire exercise involving both the Air Force and Army”.

South Korea was holding combined live-fire drills with the United States Thursday in Pocheon, the Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's National Fire Agency stated that the bombs were "presumed to have fallen on a village during a joint South Korea-US exercise."

The incident caused "casualties and property damage, with many residents displaced," it reported, adding that four people were seriously injured and three others sustained minor injuries, AFP reported.

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One church building and sections of two houses were damaged, according to the statement.

Joint South Korea-US "Freedom Shield" military exercises, one of the security allies' largest annual joint exercises, are set to begin later this month.