White Phosphorus Leak at US Base in Pyeongtaek, No Casualties Reported

Pyeongtaek, July 28: A minor evacuation alert was issued in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Tuesday following reports of a white phosphorus leak at a US military base. Authorities indicated that the risk to the public was minimal.

According to police and fire officials, the US Army reported the leak around 5:07 PM at the K-55 Osan Air Base, located approximately 60 kilometers south of Seoul.

The Pyeongtaek city administration alerted residents about the potential white phosphorus leak, advising them to move to safer locations to avoid skin contact.

White phosphorus is an extremely toxic substance that can burn human tissue down to the bone upon contact. Its military use is heavily regulated, and the international community condemns it.

Officials confirmed that the leak originated from two weapons, but the exact quantity released remains unclear. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.

The US Army informed city officials that the leaked substance had been diluted by about 80%, posing no significant threat to public health or the surrounding environment.

Following this assessment, Pyeongtaek authorities lifted the evacuation advisory approximately 36 minutes after it was issued. Officials stated that necessary precautions had been taken at the base, allowing residents to resume their normal activities.

The US Army confirmed that a “ground incident” had occurred, and the area was secured for the safety of both the public and the base. They assured that the situation was being managed swiftly and carefully.

The US 51st Fighter Wing stated that their emergency response team was handling a limited incident within the base. Reports suggesting a complete evacuation of Osan Air Base were inaccurate.

In response to the leak, authorities dispatched firefighters and essential equipment to the scene, collaborating with the US Army for a coordinated response.

As a precaution, police cordoned off the area within 300 to 500 meters of the base using patrol vehicles. Access to the general public was restricted, and traffic was redirected.

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