A major California chemical leak scare has forced authorities in Orange County to order the evacuation of around 40,000 people after a dangerous situation developed at an aerospace facility. Officials warned that the chemical tank involved could either spill large amounts of toxic material or explode.
The incident began at a facility owned by GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, a city in Southern California. A storage tank containing methyl methacrylate began releasing gas and showed signs of possible failure. The chemical is highly flammable and is commonly used in the production of plastics and resins.
Emergency crews initially responded on Thursday with hazardous materials teams and ordered nearby residents to evacuate. The evacuation order was later lifted the same day after initial stabilisation efforts. However, officials said the situation worsened after a valve was damaged, making it harder to control the tank.
By Friday, the California chemical leak situation escalated further, and evacuation orders were expanded across six cities in Orange County. These included Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster, in addition to Garden Grove.
Orange County fire officials said the tank remained in a critical state. One senior fire official warned that there were only two possible outcomes: a full chemical spill of around 6,000 to 7,000 gallons or a thermal explosion that could affect nearby tanks containing fuel and other chemicals.
Authorities said they were working urgently to prevent either outcome. Fire crews set up sandbag barriers and containment zones to stop any chemical spill from reaching storm drains, rivers, or coastal areas.
Health experts warned that exposure to the chemical or its vapors could cause serious health problems. These include breathing difficulties, eye irritation, skin burning sensations, nausea, and headaches if the chemical is released or heated further.
Officials also reported that some residents were refusing to follow evacuation orders. Local police said about 15 percent of people in the affected zones had chosen to stay despite warnings. Emergency shelters were opened for displaced residents.
Garden Grove lies about 61 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles and is located close to major tourist areas, including Disneyland parks. Officials confirmed that the theme parks were not affected by evacuation orders.
Authorities urged residents to take the situation seriously and leave the area immediately. Fire officials said the risk remained unpredictable, and the timing of any failure could not be determined.
The chemical involved, methyl methacrylate, is widely used in industrial manufacturing but becomes highly dangerous when exposed to heat or uncontrolled reactions. Officials said the risk of thermal runaway remained a major concern.
Emergency teams continued monitoring the tank and surrounding facilities while trying to stabilise pressure levels. Additional safety measures were deployed across the industrial site.
Local authorities said they would continue evacuation orders until the situation is fully under control. They also warned residents not to return until official clearance is given.
The California chemical leak incident highlights the risks associated with industrial chemical storage near residential areas. Officials are expected to carry out a full investigation once the emergency is resolved.
