A white phosphorus leak occurred at a U.S. air base in South Korea
In South Korea, a temporary evacuation order was issued for residents near the U.S. K-55 Osan Air Base due to a white phosphorus leak. According to preliminary reports, no one was injured, and after assessing the situation, authorities lifted the alert.
In the city of Pyeongtaek, located about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, a white phosphorus leak occurred on the grounds of the U.S. K-55 Osan Air Base. Due to the incident, local authorities urged residents of nearby areas to temporarily leave the danger zone. U.S. military personnel notified the police and fire department of the leak immediately after the incident was discovered.
Preliminary findings indicate that the leak originated from two munitions. The exact amount of white phosphorus that was released has not yet been reported. White phosphorus is a toxic substance that can pose a danger to people upon direct contact. That is why the authorities decided to err on the side of caution and recommended that residents evacuate temporarily.
At the same time, the U.S. military stated that the substance was diluted by approximately 80%, so the risk to human health and the environment is assessed as low. “The substance was diluted by approximately 80% and poses a low risk to human health and the environment,” the U.S. military informed local authorities.
After experts assessed the situation and implemented the necessary safety measures, the Pyeongtaek authorities lifted the evacuation recommendation. The U.S. military also confirmed that the incident site was promptly cordoned off. According to them, this was done to ensure the safety of service members and local residents. “The situation is under control,” emphasized representatives of the U.S. side.
According to official reports, no one was injured as a result of the incident. At present, the relevant agencies are continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the leak and determine its causes, Yonhap reports.
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