White phosphorus leak at U.S. military base triggers evacuation order in Pyeongtaek

A leak of white phosphorus, a toxic chemical, at a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, triggered the city to issue an emergency evacuation order for nearby residents on Tuesday. 

The city government sent an emergency text alert at 5:37 p.m. stating that white phosphorus had leaked at around 5:05 p.m. inside K-55 Air Base in Seotan-myeon. The city urged nearby residents to evacuate to a safe location and avoid skin contact with the substance.

White phosphorus is an allotrope of phosphorus that is used in incendiary munitions and other military applications. Contact with the chemical can cause severe burns, while inhaling large amounts of its smoke can be fatal. The military also uses it to create smoke screens because it produces thick white smoke when exposed to oxygen.

A police official told local media that U.S. forces had reported the incident but that authorities had not yet determined the exact circumstances.

Police, firefighters and military authorities are taking safety measures and investigating the cause of the leak.

BY CHO MUN-GYU [[email protected]]