Archive · 28 Jul 2026
White Phosphorus Leak at US Base in South Korea
There was a small leak of a dangerous chemical called white phosphorus at a US air base in South Korea.
The US military said it was not very dangerous because it was mostly watered down.
The local government told people nearby to leave for a short time to be safe.
Firefighters and the military worked together to fix the problem, and everything was back to normal quickly.
No one was hurt.
A minor white phosphorus leak occurred at the K-55 Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
The US military reported the leak posed a low risk due to 80% dilution.
An evacuation alert was issued to nearby residents for about 36 minutes.
No casualties were reported, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
The US military and local authorities coordinated to manage the incident and ensure public safety.
- Who
- US military and local authorities in Pyeongtaek
- What
- A minor white phosphorus leak at a US air base
- When
- Around 5:07 pm on Tuesday
- Where
- K-55 Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
- Why
- The exact cause is not specified, but the leak was from munitions used for cleaning warheads.
US Military Assurance
Public Safety Concerns
Risk Assessment
US Military Assurance
The US military stated the leak posed a low risk due to 80% dilution.
Public Safety Concerns
Public alerts advised evacuation to prevent skin exposure to the toxic substance.
- Location
- K-55 Osan Air Base, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
- Time of Incident
- Around 5:07 pm on Tuesday
- Substance Leaked
- White phosphorus
- Source
- Two munitions at the base
- Evacuation Duration
- Approximately 36 minutes
- Casualties
- None reported
