Simulated Explosion Effect Round Detonates at Paju Artillery Unit, Injuring 8

No Life-Threatening Injuries Reported
Military Authorities Investigating Cause of Accident

On September 10, an accident occurred at a military base in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, when a simulated explosion effect round detonated, injuring eight people.

According to military authorities, at around 3:20 p.m. on the same day, a simulated explosion effect round exploded for an unknown reason during a non-firing training exercise with a K9 self-propelled howitzer at a direct artillery unit under the 1st Corps in Jeokseong-myeon, Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

Yonhap News Agency

As a result of this accident, it has been confirmed that eight soldiers sustained burns to their arms, thighs, and other areas. So far, none of the injuries are reported to be life-threatening. The injured are currently being transported to nearby hospitals, including the Armed Forces Capital Hospital, via helicopter and ambulance. An Army official stated, "The severity of the injuries will require a doctor's assessment."

The non-firing training exercise being conducted at the time of the accident is a drill in which procedures are practiced without actually firing the artillery. During this process, a simulated explosion effect round used to enhance the realism of the training exploded for an unknown reason. This type of round is a mock munition used to simulate the sound of explosions, gunfire, and smoke during training.

The military authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.