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

Pyeongtaek city failed to contact the U.S. military through a hotline following a reported white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base last month, officials revealed on Monday. The city made three attempts to reach the 51st Fighter Wing by phone to verify the leak, but their calls went unanswered. The incident occurred after a routine inspection on July 28 at the base, which revealed white phosphorus residue inside a munitions crate.

In response, the city issued an evacuation alert for residents in the area, following advice from firefighting authorities. The evacuation advisory was lifted after an on-site inspection determined the incident posed no immediate danger, approximately 30 minutes after it was issued. The 51st Fighter Wing later stated that the leaked substance was non-hazardous surface corrosion from environmental exposure over time.

The fighter wing did not directly address the issue of unanswered calls but pledged to enhance information sharing efforts with Pyeongtaek City. The U.S. military is currently investigating the interpreter who reported the leak to local police, aiming to assess the appropriateness of their response.