health
California residents near dangerous chemical tank forced to flee homes: "You're freaking out"
Updated on: May 25, 2026 / 7:31 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- 50,000 Southern California residents evacuated due to a chemical tank threat.
- The tank at GKN Aerospace contained methyl methacrylate (MMA), a volatile industrial chemical.
- Officials feared a thermal runaway reaction could cause the tank to explode.
- Emergency crews made progress, reducing the risk of a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).
- A crack in the tank was found, releasing pressure, and temperatures stabilized.
- Despite progress, the risk of an explosion from the core of the tank remains.
- Evacuees described uncertainty, anxiety, and difficulty obtaining necessities like clothes and medication.
- GKN Aerospace has a history of environmental violations, settling for nearly $1 million in 2021.
- Air monitoring has not detected toxic releases into the surrounding community.
- The cause of the tank failure is under investigation, and lawsuits have been filed.