South Korean authorities ordered short‑term neighbourhood evacuations on Tuesday after a white phosphorus leak occurred inside the US Osan Air Base, located south of Seoul. The Safety Ministry said no injuries were reported, and the evacuation order issued as a precaution was lifted after about 30 minutes once decontamination work was underway.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean fire crews and US military personnel quickly responded to the incident.
Osan Air Base said the leak stemmed from a “ground mishap”, prompting the establishment of a 1,000‑foot safety cordon to protect both base personnel and nearby residents. “Our emergency response professionals are currently managing an isolated situation on the installation,” the base said, adding that the matter was being handled “with the utmost care and expediency.”
A spokesperson for the base confirmed the incident involved a munitions‑related accident, though the exact nature of the leak is still being assessed.
White phosphorus is a highly toxic and reactive substance that can ignite upon contact with air. It is commonly used in military smoke screens and incendiary munitions, making any accidental release a serious safety concern.
Authorities say the situation has been contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community.
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