Seoul, South Korea – Web Desk: A Republic of Korea Air Force F-16C fighter jet crashed during a training exercise near the city of Yeongju, authorities confirmed.
According to international media reports, the US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon went down in a mountainous area while conducting routine drills. The pilot successfully ejected and survived the crash. There were no immediate reports of injuries to civilians or significant property damage.
A fire broke out in the surrounding forest following the crash, but officials said the risk of the blaze spreading was low and that firefighting teams were working to contain it.
The South Korean Air Force has established an investigation committee, led by the Vice Chief of Staff, to determine the cause of the accident.
The incident marks the second crash involving an F-16 within 24 hours. Earlier, a Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed near a highway in western Turkey, killing the pilot, identified as Air Force Major Ibrahim Bolat. Authorities in Turkey are also investigating that incident.
F-16 aircraft are widely operated by several countries and are considered a key component of many national defense forces.
