By May 25, 2026 / 12:52 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google
Cypress, California — Emergency crews are working to prevent a potentially dangerous situation as 50,000 Southern California residents remain under evacuation orders. A concern arose at an aerospace facility in Garden Grove due to a tank holding volatile methyl methacrylate (MMA). This chemical is at risk of a thermal runaway reaction, which can lead to a significant rise in temperatures and pressure, resulting in an explosion.
Challenges Faced by Evacuees
Entire neighborhoods have been evacuated, creating an environment filled with uncertainty for many residents. One such evacuee, Jackie Urquiza, highlighted the challenges of displacement. Staying nearby with her 7-year-old son, she expressed difficulty in accessing basic needs like clothing and medication. “We didn’t know this facility stored dangerous chemicals so close,” she shared with CBS News.
Others, like Andrea Luna, reported using temporary accommodations like parking lots while waiting for updates. “It’s devastating not knowing what comes next,” Luna stated.
Emergency Response Efforts
Hazardous materials teams entered the danger zone to inspect the tank directly. They found a crack that had released some pressure, reducing the immediate explosion risk. Temperatures within the tank have decreased from 100 degrees to 93 degrees, offering some relief. However, concerns remain about the potential for an explosion as the tank’s core has not been fully assessed.
Incident commander Craig Covey noted that efforts are underway to monitor the substance’s temperature and ensure no further escalation occurs. Evacuation orders continue until the area is declared safe.
Company’s Response and Safety Assurances
GKN Aerospace issued an apology for the disruption. The company acknowledged the uncertainty caused and expressed regret for the inconvenience to the local community. Previously, GKN faced environmental enforcement, paying nearly $1 million for violations in 2021.
Elias Picazo, a chemistry assistant professor at USC, explained that while MMA is used in plastic and glass production, its current form poses acute toxicity risks. Despite these risks, officials stated that air monitoring has not detected any toxic releases.
Current Status and Investigation
Emergency crews are allowing only a limited number of personnel within the evacuation zone to maintain safety. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the exact cause of the tank’s failure. Although two class-action lawsuits have been filed, officials have not set a timeline for when residents might safely return.