Crack in California chemical tank averts ‘catastrophic’ blast but thousands remain evacuated
Summary
A crack formed in a hot chemical tank at a California aerospace plant helped reduce pressure and stopped a major explosion. Despite this, about 16,000 people near the plant remain evacuated due to the risk of smaller explosions or chemical leaks.Key Facts
- The chemical tank contained 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable chemical used to make plastics.
- About 50,000 people evacuated near Garden Grove, California, but most returned home after the crack appeared.
- Exposure to methyl methacrylate can cause serious breathing and nerve problems, and skin and eye irritation.
- The tank overheated because a cooling valve failed, causing pressure to rise inside the tank.
- Firefighters sprayed water continuously for five days to cool the tank, using nearly 9 million gallons of water.
- Nearby tanks were neutralized to prevent danger, with some chemicals transferred to tanks containing neutralizing agents.
- Air and water around the site will be monitored by local and federal agencies for months to check for contamination.
- Experts say the tank’s temperature needs to drop closer to 60-70°F before it is safer, and there is still risk of smaller explosions or chemical release.
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