A hazardous chemical leak occurred at Osan Air Base, one of the key US military installations in South Korea. The incident, which involved white phosphorus leaking from two munitions, took place in Pyeongtaek, near the capital Seoul.
Following the leak, which occurred at around 5:00 p.m. local time, the Pyeongtaek city government issued an emergency alert. Residents were urged to shelter in place and protect their skin, but about 36 minutes later the area was declared safe and the warning was lifted.
US military officials announced that a security cordon had been established in a radius of 300 to 500 meters around the base. Pedestrian traffic was halted and vehicle routes were diverted. The US military stressed that the measures were taken 'in connection with the incident and as an extraordinary precaution,' and that the situation was under strict control.
White phosphorus is a chemical that ignites spontaneously upon contact with air, burning at temperatures between 800°C and 1300°C and producing thick white smoke. Contact with skin can cause severe deep burns to tissues and bones.