There was a White Phosphorus Leak at a US Military Base, Residents Were Ordered to Evacuate

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft from the 25th Fighter Squadron prepare to land at Osan Air Base. (Wikimedia Commons/U.S Air Force/Capt. Robert Howard)

JAKARTA - South Korean authorities on Tuesday ordered civilians to evacuate, after what they called a white phosphorus leak at a US military base near the capital, Seoul.

Officials in Pyeongtaek City urged residents to move to a safe location and avoid skin exposure after a leak at Osan Air Base was detected at around 17:00 local time.

They lifted the evacuation order several hours later, saying decontamination work was complete, according to a text message sent by the city.

Police reportedly used vehicles to create a 300 to 500 meter (yard) perimeter from the base, blocking pedestrians and diverting vehicle routes.

In a statement, the US 51st Combat Wing did not mention the white phosphorus leak, but said it had cordoned off a 1,000-foot (300-meter) security perimeter around the base "due to a ground accident and as a precaution" to protect the base and local residents.

The statement said that reports about the evacuation of the air base were not true.

"We are handling this matter with great care and speed," he said, citing Al Arabiya from The Associated Press (28/7).

"The safety and well-being of our service members, their families, and our neighbors in Pyeongtaek remain our top priority," he added.

There were no immediate reports of major disruptions or accidents.

US Forces Korea or the United States military in South Korea did not provide further comment on the incident.

White phosphorus is a controversial chemical used in incendiary munitions and smoke rounds.

When lit, this substance can burn at very high temperatures and can burn buildings and burn human flesh to the bone.