No Casualties After White Phosphorus Incident at K-55 Osan Air Base

A small quantity of white phosphorus leaked from two weapon systems at the US‑operated K‑55 Osan Air Base on Tuesday evening, triggering a short‑lived evacuation warning for residents of Pyeongtaek. Local police and fire services, together with US military emergency crews, secured the area and ensured that no one was harmed.

The chemical, known for its ability to cause deep tissue burns, was reported to have been diluted to about 80 % of its original concentration before the spill was identified. This rapid dilution limited exposure risk, and health officials confirmed that the public faced no significant danger.

Security forces placed a cordon around the base, preventing civilian access within a 300‑500 metre radius. Traffic patterns were altered temporarily, and the perimeter was monitored until the incident was declared under control.

Following a rapid assessment, the Pyeongtaek city hall cancelled the evacuation order just 36 minutes after its issuance, allowing residents to return to their daily routines. The US military described the response as “swift and precautionary,” and reiterated its commitment to safety and transparency.