In Southern California, an industrial tank filled with a toxic and highly flammable chemical presents a serious threat of explosion or rupture. Over 40,000 residents remain evacuated as the situation unfolds.
The tank holds roughly 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a chemical used in manufacturing resins and acrylic plastics like plexiglass. The risk of explosion has persisted at the site in Garden Grove for four consecutive days.
The plant belongs to GKN Aerospace, a UK-based manufacturer of aircraft components.
Pressurization of the tank occurred on Thursday, with gas escaping that could lead to an explosion. Firefighters have been cooling the tank with large volumes of water. Meanwhile, GKN Aerospace’s team has encountered difficulty administering a neutralizing agent due to a broken valve, which intensifies the hazard.
Orange County Fire Authority’s interim fire chief, TJ McGovern, expressed the rarity of the situation, labeling it as unprecedented due to the chemical’s volatility.