Gunsan: The U.S. Air Force has reported that an estimated 11,000 gallons, equivalent to approximately 41,000 liters, of jet fuel leaked from a fuel tank at a U.S. air base in Gunsan. The incident, which occurred last month, was detected by airmen from the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 8th Civil Engineer Squadron on January 26, triggering an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the leak.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 8th Fighter Wing released a statement estimating the extent of the fuel leak and assured that trained experts are continuously monitoring the site as restoration efforts proceed. The statement emphasized the complexity and thoroughness of the investigations and the commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and accurate conclusion.

The Air Force unit previously stated that there was no threat to the drinking water and did not anticipate any immediate risk to the health or safety of the on-base or nearby off-base communities.

In a related incident, a similar fuel leak was reported at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, located about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on February 5. The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron responded promptly to the situation, according to the 51st Fighter Wing. A U.S. Air Force official reported the retrieval of 230 gallons, or 870 liters, of leaked fuel but did not specify the total amount of fuel that had leaked.

The official release on the website confirmed that there is no immediate threat to drinking water as it is sourced from off base, and the origin of the leak has been identified and isolated.