South Korean officials order residents to evacuate after reported white phosphorus leak at US base

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean authorities on Tuesday briefly ordered civilians to evacuate after what they described as a white phosphorus leak at a US military base near the capital, Seoul.Officials in the city of Pyeongtaek urged nearby residents to move to a safe location and avoid skin exposure after the leak at the Osan Air Base was detected at around 5 p.m.They lifted the evacuation order several hours later, saying decontamination work had been completed, according to text messages sent out by the city.Police reportedly used vehicles to establish a perimeter of about 1,000 to 1,700 feet (300 to 500 meters) from the base, blocking pedestrians and rerouting vehicles.

There were no immediate reports of major disruptions or accidents.In a statement, the US 51st Fighter Wing did not mention a leakage of white phosphorus but said it established a 1,000-foot (300-meter) safety cordon around the base “due to a ground mishap and out of an abundance of caution” to protect the base and the local populace.It said reports of a general evacuation of the air base were false.“We are handling this matter with the utmost care and expediency,” it said.

“The safety and well-being of our service members, their families, and our Pyeongtaek neighbors remain our absolute highest priority.”US Forces Korea did not provide further comment about the incident.White phosphorus is a controversial chemical substance used in incendiary munitions and smoke shells.When ignited, it can burn at extremely high temperatures and can set buildings ablaze and burn human flesh to the bone....