Chemical tank in Southern California no longer under threat of catastrophic explosion, officials say


The failing chemical tank in Southern California that caused tens of thousands of people to evacuate is no longer presenting a threat of catastrophic explosion, according to officials.

The temperature is declining within the chemical tank at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles, eliminating concerns that the tank could explode and cause of a catastrophic fireball, local authorities said on Monday morning.

“We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE [Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion] is now off the table,” Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Interim Chief TJ McGovern said during an update. “That threat has been eliminated.”

The crisis is not fully averted, McGovern told reporters during a press conference on Monday. But if an explosion or leak were to occur, it would be significantly smaller than the initial worst-case scenario, he said.

Since the temperature inside the tank has decreased, it has allowed the chemical inside to solidify, but it is unclear how much, according to McGovern.

Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Calif., May 25, 2026.

KABC

The evacuation orders remain, OCFA Division Chief Craig Covey noted.

“We want to be clear that the evacuation zones are still in play,” he said. “Please abide by those evacuation zones.”

On Thursday, a chemical tank filled with toxic chemicals at GKN Aerospace, a manufacturing company that builds engines and landing gear for both commercial and military aircraft, was showing signs of overheating, which could cause it to overheat or spill, officials said.

The 34,000-gallon tank contained methyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used in plastic manufacturing, according to the OCFA. The chemical is primarily a respiratory irritant. Short-term exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as breathing problems, according to the EPA.

Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, Calif., May 25, 2026.

KABC

The “unprecedented” situation caused officials to order about 50,000 people in the vicinity to evacuate in case a leak sent toxic fumes wafting through the neighborhood or cause an explosion could result in a dangerous fireball. California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency in Orange County in response to the incident.

Authorities then worked to cool down the bulging tank to prevent it from exploding. The crack in the tank discovered by firefighters on late Saturday relieved some of the pressure within the tank, Covey said.

While officials were confident that the crack wouldn’t lead to any chemical leaks, they continued to monitor air quality in the region.

Any areas outside of the roughly 10-square-mile evacuation zone “are currently considered completely safe and day-to-day activities can continue as normal,” the OCFA said in an update Sunday afternoon.

Roads remain closed after residents were evacuated following a chemical leak from a large storage tank that threatened nearby homes in Garden Grove, Calif., May 24, 2026.

Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images

Within the zone are schools, hospitals, nursing homes, fire and law enforcement stations and critical infrastructure. Multiple roads were also closed in the area.

“We appreciate your support and the patience while we work through this incident together,” Covey said.

ABC News’ Meredith Deliso, Nadine El-Bawab, Jaclyn Lee, Alex Stone, Jenna Harrison and Connor Burton contributed to this report.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Clarence B. Jones, Who Helped Shape ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech, Dies at 95

    Clarence B. Jones, a confidant, lawyer and speechwriter for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, who helped plan the March on…

    California residents near dangerous chemical tank forced to flee homes: “You’re freaking out”

    Cypress, California — Fifty thousand Southern California residents remain under evacuation orders Monday after emergency crews raced to prevent a tank holding a volatile industrial chemical from exploding at an…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Wise Law’s Legal Headlines for the week of May 25, 2026

    Wise Law’s Legal Headlines for the week of May 25, 2026

    S&P/TSX composite closes up more than 350 points amid hopes of end to Iran war

    S&P/TSX composite closes up more than 350 points amid hopes of end to Iran war

    Saskatchewan ultramarathoner running 1,500 km across province to honour late mother

    Saskatchewan ultramarathoner running 1,500 km across province to honour late mother

    Today’s NYT Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for May 26 #1802

    Today’s NYT Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for May 26 #1802

    Eight spectators and rider hurt at TT practice

    Eight spectators and rider hurt at TT practice

    How to use the American Express Clear+ benefit

    How to use the American Express Clear+ benefit