Authorities temporarily evacuated residents near Osan Air Base after white phosphorus residue was discovered during a munitions inspection, but officials reported no injuries or continuing danger following decontamination work.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
South Korean authorities ordered residents near a U.S. military installation to evacuate Tuesday after a suspected white phosphorus leak was reported at Osan Air Base south of Seoul.
The alert was issued after crystallized white phosphorus residue was discovered inside a munitions container during a routine inspection at the base in Pyeongtaek, according to the U.S. Air Force’s 51st Fighter Wing.
Emergency officials established a safety perimeter of approximately 300 meters around the affected area as a precaution. An explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed, and response procedures were activated to ensure that the material remained contained.
Pyeongtaek officials instructed nearby residents to move to safe locations and avoid contact with the substance. The evacuation advisory was lifted after South Korean fire authorities and U.S. military personnel completed decontamination work.
No injuries were reported among military personnel or civilians, and officials said the incident posed no continuing danger inside or outside the installation. Normal operations later resumed at the base.
Col. Ryan Ley, commander of the installation, said protecting personnel, military families and surrounding communities remained the base’s highest priority.
“The safety of our service members, their families, and our Pyeongtaek neighbors remains our absolute highest priority,” Ley said.
White phosphorus can ignite when exposed to oxygen and burn at extremely high temperatures. The substance is used in military munitions, including smoke-producing and incendiary devices, and can cause severe injuries through direct contact or inhalation.
The material identified Tuesday was contained inside a munitions crate, rather than spreading throughout the surrounding community, according to the Air Force account.
South Korean emergency officials and U.S. military personnel continued evaluating the incident after the safety cordon was removed. The information released did not explain what caused the white phosphorus to crystallize or leave residue inside the container.
Osan Air Base is a major U.S. military installation in Pyeongtaek, south of the South Korean capital. The base hosts the 51st Fighter Wing and supports joint U.S.–South Korean defense operations.
Authorities said the rapid containment and decontamination prevented casualties and allowed the evacuation order to be withdrawn later Tuesday.
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