As AP reported, a tank containing it overheated at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Orange County from approx. 22.7 thousand up to 26.5 thousand liters of methyl methacrylate. The substance began to release toxic fumes into the atmosphere. GKN Aerospace is a company producing parts for civil and military aircraft.
“This device will fail, but we don't know when.”
Garden Grove Fire Chief Craig Covey warned that the tank may burst or explode.— This device will fail, but we don't know when. We are doing everything we can to find out how to prevent this from happening,” Covey said, as quoted by the AP. He added that the services managed to keep the temperature of the tank under control, which gives more time to find a solution.
Covey reported that sandbag barriers were placed around the plantso that in the event of a spill, the chemicals do not enter the sewage system, surrounding watercourses or the ocean. Orange County Health Officer Regina Chinsio-Kwong warned that heated substance may cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea and headaches.
GKN Aerospace informed that the situation is being assessed by specialized hazardous materials teams. – There are no reports of injuries at this time, and our priority remains the safety of employees, services and the surrounding community – said a company spokesman. – We understand that this is terrifying. But the evacuation orders were issued for your safety, emphasized Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein.
As reported by AP, local Vietnamese-language television stations translated the authorities' announcements and appealed to residents to follow the orders of the services.
