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Police emblem. / Photo by Reporter Song Eui-ju

An evacuation order was issued after a white phosphorus leak occurred at a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, before being lifted about 30 minutes later.

Police and fire authorities received a report around 5:07 p.m. on July 28 that white phosphorus had leaked at Osan Air Base (K-55), a U.S. Forces Korea installation in Seotan-myeon, Pyeongtaek. At the time, white phosphorus dripped from two white phosphorus warheads, with the exact amount leaked remaining unconfirmed.

White phosphorus is used as a filler for shell smoke agents and possesses incendiary burning effects. It is a hazardous substance whose use is internationally discouraged due to its danger, burning into human skin until completely consumed.

Pyeongtaek City sent a disaster alert message at 5:37 p.m., stating, "(Evacuation Order) White phosphorus leak inside K-55 U.S. base. Nearby residents are advised to evacuate to a safe place to avoid skin exposure."

Fire authorities deployed nine pieces of equipment and 31 personnel to the scene to respond alongside the U.S. military, and no casualties have been reported so far. Police positioned patrol cars at points 300 to 500 meters from the base to block civilian access and redirect traffic.

At 6:13 p.m., 36 minutes after issuing the evacuation order, Pyeongtaek City sent another disaster alert message stating, "(Evacuation Order Lifted) Measures regarding the white phosphorus leak inside K-55 U.S. base have been completed. Nearby residents may return to their daily lives." The leaked white phosphorus was found to have been about 80 percent diluted in advance, posing a low risk to human health or the surrounding environment.

A police official stated, "Chemicals used to clean warheads inside the K-55 ammunition depot leaked, but the U.S. military informed us that the situation has been resolved and poses no further danger," adding, "A U.S. military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and fire authorities responded to the scene to conduct cleanup operations, which are now mostly complete."

Regarding the incident, the U.S. 7th Air Force explained that an emergency response team inside the base is containing the situation as swiftly and safely as possible. In a statement, the 7th Air Force said, "Due to a ground mishap and out of an abundance of caution, Osan Air Base established a 1,000-foot (305-meter) safety cordon to protect the safety of the base and local populace," adding, "The safety and well-being of our service members, their families, and Pyeongtaek residents remain our highest priority."

                                                                                                           Choi Min-jun