Authorities in South Korea have suspended all small-arms shooting drills after a young girl was injured by what officials believe may have been a stray bullet.
The incident took place in Daegu, where an elementary school student was struck near the neck while playing at a local playground. She received medical treatment and has since been discharged from the hospital.
Officials reported that the playground is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from a military shooting range. A live-fire training exercise was underway at the time, raising concerns about a possible connection.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the injury resulted from the military drill. Safety measures at the range, including protective barriers designed to stop bullets, are now under review.
Although live-fire training exercises in South Korea usually proceed without incident, rare accidents have occurred. In a previous case, a civilian in South Jeolla province suffered serious injuries after being hit by a stray bullet from a nearby range.
In another incident last year, the military paused training activities after fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a residential area in Pocheon, injuring multiple civilians.
Following the latest event, officials have taken precautionary steps to suspend firearm drills involving rifles and handguns. The move aims to ensure public safety while investigators examine what went wrong.
This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of military training zones located near residential areas. Authorities are expected to review existing safety protocols and consider stricter measures to prevent similar events in the future.
