Panic in South Korea: Hazardous Material Leaks from US Military Base

Authorities in South Korea ordered the evacuation of civilians near Osan Air Base following a white phosphorus leak. The evacuation order was lifted hours later after cleanup operations were completed. The US military confirmed a "ground fault" but did not mention the chemical substance.

Authorities in South Korea ordered the evacuation of civilians near Osan Air Base, located near the capital Seoul, on Tuesday following a white phosphorus leak. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM, and officials in Pyeongtaek city called on residents to evacuate to a safe place and avoid skin contact. The evacuation order was lifted several hours later after authorities announced that cleanup operations were completed. Police forces established a security cordon around the base within a range of 300 to 500 meters, blocking pedestrian access and diverting vehicles. No significant disruptions or accidents were reported. Meanwhile, the US Air Force's 51st Fighter Wing issued a statement confirming that a safety cordon was established around the base "due to a ground fault and as an enhanced precautionary measure," but did not mention a white phosphorus leak. The statement said reports of a general evacuation of the base are incorrect. White phosphorus is a hazardous chemical that can cause severe burns upon skin contact.