Southern California chemical tank at risk of exploding as 50,000 residents are ordered to evacuate
WTOP • • nation
Key Points:
- Firefighters are cooling a pressurized tank containing methyl methacrylate at a GKN Aerospace site in Garden Grove, California, to prevent an explosion after it overheated and began venting vapors.
- Officials have evacuated residents from Garden Grove and parts of five other Orange County cities, with air monitoring showing pollution levels currently within normal limits, though the tank’s pressure relief valves are broken.
- A class-action lawsuit was filed by residents in the evacuation zone against GKN Aerospace, citing concerns about property value loss and potential health risks from a slow leak or catastrophic explosion.
- Exposure to methyl methacrylate can cause serious respiratory and neurological problems, and officials are preparing for various scenarios including detailed air monitoring and containment to protect the environment and public health.
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County, enabling additional state resources and shelter options, while Disneyland remains open and is monitoring the situation.