White Phosphorus Leak Recorded At U.S. Air Base In South Korea

A leak of a toxic substance — white phosphorus — was recorded at Osan Air Base in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek.

Due to the health risks, local authorities briefly evacuated residents of nearby areas, The Korea Herald reported.

Emergency services received a report of the incident from U.S. military personnel at around 11:07 Kyiv time. The toxic substance leaked from two munitions at a weapons storage facility.

The Pyeongtaek city government issued an emergency alert urging residents to immediately evacuate to safe locations. White phosphorus is highly toxic and can cause deep chemical burns to the skin.

U.S. Armed Forces representatives stated that the phosphorus had been diluted by approximately 80%, so the threat to public health and the environment was considered low. No one was injured in the incident.

Approximately 36 minutes after the initial alert, the city council lifted the evacuation order, informing residents that the main response measures had been completed and that it was safe to return home.

The 51st Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force confirmed the incident and noted that the situation had been contained and brought under control without the need for a full evacuation of the air base.