Catastrophic sign of toxic tank explosion in Orange County as 40,000 evacuated
A toxic tank explosion in Orange County has led to the evacuation of 40,000 residents as officials struggle to manage the crisis. The tank's temperature has risen unexpectedly, raising concerns about a potential rupture or explosion. Fire officials are working around the clock to find solutions and mitigate risks to the community.
- ▪The tank's temperature increased from 77 degrees to 90 degrees due to incorrect drone measurements.
- ▪Fire officials warned that the tank could rupture or explode, releasing toxic methyl methacrylate into the area.
- ▪Approximately 40,000 people have evacuated, although some residents chose to stay despite the risks.
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Metro Catastrophic sign of toxic tank explosion in Orange County as 40,000 evacuated By Ross O'Keefe Published May 23, 2026, 2:49 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Orange County officials have desperately searched for solutions to quell an increasingly concerning toxic gas crisis, but have come up empty-handed as temperatures continue to rise in the tank containing them. Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey gave an update Saturday morning, saying the tank had increased from 77 degrees to 90 degrees in temperature after they incorrectly measured the outside of the tank with a drone instead of the actual liquid temperature.
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