Crack in California chemical tank averts ‘catastrophic’ blast but thousands remain evacuated
A crack in a chemical tank in California has relieved pressure and prevented a potential explosion, but 16,000 residents remain evacuated. The tank, which contains a highly flammable chemical, overheated due to a valve failure. Emergency crews are working to neutralize the tank and monitor the area for safety.
- ▪The crack in the tank helped avert a catastrophic explosion, but evacuation orders are still in place for 16,000 residents.
- ▪Approximately 50,000 people were evacuated from the area, with most returning home after the crack formed.
- ▪The chemical in the tank, methyl methacrylate, poses serious health risks, prompting ongoing safety measures.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Garden Grove residents who were evacuated to a nearby recreation center over the weekend. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenGarden Grove residents who were evacuated to a nearby recreation center over the weekend. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesCaliforniaCrack in California chemical tank averts ‘catastrophic’ blast but thousands remain evacuatedOfficials say still not safe for 16,000 people to return home as crews in Orange county work to neutralize damaged tankAssociated PressTue 26 May 2026 18.07 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 18.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA crack that formed by chance in an overheated chemical tank in southern California relieved pressure and helped avert a catastrophic explosion, but officials said on Tuesday it still was not…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — US
