(LEAD) Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

Pyeongtaek city experienced difficulties reaching the U.S. military via their designated hotline after a possible white phosphorus leak was reported. The 51st Fighter Wing, located at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, discovered the residue during a routine inspection on July 28. This prompted the city to issue an evacuation alert for nearby residents.

The city reached out to the U.S. military three times to confirm the leak, but all attempts were unsuccessful. The decision to issue the evacuation alert was made based on advice from firefighting authorities due to the hazardous nature of white phosphorus. The evacuation advisory was canceled after an on-site inspection concluded that the situation posed no immediate danger.

Subsequently, the 51st Fighter Wing clarified that the leaked substance was non-hazardous surface corrosion caused by environmental exposure. They expressed their commitment to improving communication efforts with local partners. The U.S. military is currently investigating the interpreter who reported the incident to local authorities.