In California, firefighters and experts are working to prevent a potential explosion of a hazardous chemical tank at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove. Due to the threat of a large-scale accident, evacuations have been ordered for tens of thousands of residents, and some shelters are already at capacity. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The incident involves a tank containing methyl methacrylate—a highly flammable and toxic substance used in plastics manufacturing. Rescuers warn of a risk of explosion or a leak of up to 26,500 liters of the chemical. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Orange County.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey stated that specialists from across the state have been brought in for the operation.
"We've brought in experts from all over the state to think outside the box, and we had some really productive conversations today,"
According to Covey, the temperature inside the tank continues to rise despite water cooling efforts. "That's bad news," he noted.
Several evacuation centers are already full
Firefighters have moved from a "defensive" to an "offensive" phase of the operation and are working alongside emergency chemists from the manufacturer. Services are also preparing for a potential spill—setting up dikes and collection zones to prevent the toxic material from entering sewers, rivers, or the ocean.
"Allowing this thing to just fail and explode is unacceptable to us,"
The incident began on Thursday at the GKN Aerospace facility, which produces components for civil and military aviation. Medical professionals warn that prolonged exposure to methyl methacrylate vapors can cause serious respiratory problems. Meanwhile, the fire department maintains that the situation remains under control.
"We are not giving up,"