Garden Grove chemical threat: 40000 evacuated as overheated tank faces explosion
3 hours ago
- #evacuation
- #chemical-emergency
- #Orange-County
- Emergency crews are working to prevent an overheating tank containing toxic methyl methacrylate (MMA) from leaking or exploding, with around 50,000 residents evacuated in Orange County, California.
- The tank's temperature has been rising, increasing by about one degree per hour, reaching 90 degrees, prompting concerns as cooling efforts have not been successful.
- Authorities are attempting to stabilize the tank by cooling and neutralizing the chemical to solidify it from the outside inward, but warn of risks including tank cracking or a catastrophic explosion.
- Evacuation orders have been expanded to a 9-square-mile area, with some residents refusing to leave; shelters are at capacity, and discounted hotel rates are offered during the holiday weekend.
- Exposure to MMA can cause respiratory issues, dizziness, and nausea, though air monitoring shows no current detection; officials emphasize the unpredictability of effects from a potential explosion.
- The incident has disrupted local services, including school evacuations and closure of a voting center, while theme parks like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm remain open but are monitoring the situation.
- Manufacturer GKN Aerospace is collaborating with emergency services, expressing apologies for the disruption, as authorities warn of the volatile, toxic, and flammable nature of the chemical.