Authorities in the US state of California have evacuated nearly 40,000 residents after a toxic gas leak from a chemical storage tank raised fears of a possible explosion in the southern part of the state.
Local officials said a large storage tank at an aerospace plastics manufacturing facility in Garden Grove, Orange County, became overheated and began releasing hazardous gas. The tank reportedly contains between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a chemical commonly used in the production of plastics and aircraft components.
Garden Grove Fire Chief Craig Covey warned that the tank could rupture at any moment.
“This tank could explode at any time, and we do not know when that might happen. We are doing everything possible to stabilize the situation,” he said.
As the risk intensified, emergency evacuation orders were issued not only for Garden Grove but also for parts of Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Westminster.
Although no casualties have been reported so far, authorities described the situation as highly dangerous. Officials warned that if the tank ruptures, hazardous chemicals could spread into the surrounding environment or trigger a major explosion.
Emergency crews have been constructing sandbag barriers to prevent any leaked chemicals from entering drainage systems or nearby waterways. Health officials cautioned that exposure to the gas may cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, nausea, and headaches.
Authorities said one of the two affected tanks has been brought under control, while the second remains in a critical condition and poses the greatest threat.
The sudden evacuation has caused major disruption for local residents, many of whom were forced to leave their homes with only essential documents and belongings.
Garden Grove is located about 38 miles (61 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles and less than a mile from Disneyland’s two theme parks. The city is widely known for its vibrant Vietnamese community, one of the largest in the United States.
Danny Pham, a resident living just a few blocks from the plastics factory, said he was awakened around 7:00 a.m. Friday when his roommate urgently knocked on the door and told him they had to leave immediately.
Source: Gulf News