Firefighters say they may have discovered cracks in damaged industrial storage tanks in California. This could change their entire strategy, as 50,000 residents are still being evacuated.
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Staff say they may have Found a crack A damaged industrial storage tank at an aerospace facility in Orange County, California.
The tank, located at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, contained thousands of gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable and toxic chemical used to make plastics. The weather was so hot last week that steam began leaking into the air, forcing the evacuation of 50,000 people.
Officials feared the tank could explode, sending a huge fireball into the sky.
On Sunday, fire officials continued to use water to cool the tanks to prevent them from rupturing or exploding. In the latest note posted on social media, the Orange County Fire Department’s interim fire chief said the specially assembled fire department believed they had discovered a crack in the water tank.
The data collected by the team was analyzed to determine if it could help relieve pressure in the tanks. The Orange County Fire Department said if confirmed, it may be able to change the “trajectory and strategy” of responding to the crisis.
Authorities say they do have a contingency plan in place in case a tank explodes.
Gov. Gavin Newsom asked President Donald Trump on Sunday to issue an emergency declaration to open up federal support.
Meanwhile, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into the facility’s owner, GKN. A class action lawsuit has also been filed against the company.
As of Sunday, two residents living in evacuation zones had been named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. But that number is expected to increase as 50,000 people are forced to evacuate.
GKN Aerospace issued a statement:
“We continue to monitor the condition of affected materials and work around the clock to reduce the risk of leaks. We are acutely aware of the uncertainty caused by this incident and sincerely apologize for the continued disruption to the local community. We are working closely with the Orange County Fire Department, EPA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and all relevant federal, state and local agencies and are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of all involved emergency services and agencies. Our priority remains to resolve this incident safely so residents can return to their homes as quickly as possible. Please continue to follow all instructions issued by local governments and emergency personnel at this time“.
