Residents evacuated after reported white phosphorus leak at US base in South Korea
South Korean authorities ordered civilians to evacuate after a suspected white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base in the city of Pyeongtaek on Tuesday 28 July.
Officials urged nearby residents to evacuate and avoid skin exposure after the reported leak at US military base was detected just after 17:00. A news release noted that, "due to a ground mishap and out of an abundance of caution, Osan Air Base establish a [300-metre] safety cordon to protect base and general populace".
They added that reports of a "general evacuation" of the base were incorrect, adding that their emergency response professionals were managing an "isolated situation on the installation".
A further news release issued by Osan Air Base confirmed that, during a routine inspection of munitions, it was discovered that white phosphorus crystallisation had left residue inside a munitions crate. An explosive ordnance disposal team was called to confirm the finding, with "layered protection plans" being immediately activated to ensure the full containment of the munitions.
No people were injured during the incident and there was no risk to personnel on or off the base, the release confirmed. According to text messages sent out by the city, the alert was lifted several hours later following the completion of decontamination work.
Col. Ryan Ley, 51st Fighter Wing Commander, said: "The safety of our service members, their families, and our Pyeongtaek neighbours remains our absolute highest priority. We deeply appreciate your patience and cooperation as our highly trained personnel safely resolve this isolated situation."
