Newsom declares state of emergency in Orange County as failing chemical tank nears catastrophic explosion
Emergency crews launch overnight mission to neutralize a volatile chemical tank at a Southern California aerospace facility in Garden Grove as Gov. Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency.
TL;DR
- Emergency crews launched an overnight mission to neutralize a failing chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove.
- The tank's internal temperature reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing the risk of explosion or a spill of 6,000-7,000 gallons of chemicals.
- Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and over 40,000 residents were evacuated.
- Crews are attempting to cool and harden the chemical by applying a continuous deluge of water.
- Contingency plans include diking and damming measures to divert any potential spill away from storm drains and waterways.
- The chemical, methyl methacrylate (MMA), is described as volatile and flammable.
- Health officials warned of severe risks from toxic vapors if the chemical is inhaled.
- Federal disaster relief officials, including FEMA and the EPA, are involved in monitoring the situation.