Since Friday, a reservoir containing approximately 26,000 liters of methyl methacrylate, a flammable liquid, is at risk of spilling into the environment or exploding. 40,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution.
California authorities expressed optimism on Sunday regarding the situation of a chemical tank threatening to explode in the southern suburb of Los Angeles, leading to the evacuation of around 40,000 people.
Since Friday, a reservoir containing about 26,000 liters of methyl methacrylate, a flammable liquid used in plastic manufacturing, is at risk of spilling into the environment or exploding, endangering neighborhoods in Garden Grove, a location in Orange County.
The firefighters observed a possible crack in the reservoir at night, which could reduce some of the pressure inside, according to TJ McGovern, head of the local firefighters, in a video message. They mentioned a temperature rise inside the tank on Saturday, cooled by water jets.
Authorities, fearing a significant explosion with the release of toxic fumes, asked residents within the perimeter to leave their homes on Friday. They were still not allowed to return home on Sunday, with reception centers open to accommodate them.
No injuries have been reported so far by the authorities, who have not revealed the source of the leak reported on Thursday. Authorities are working on setting up barriers to prevent the toxic substance from polluting nearby water bodies or the ocean.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans, and can also cause respiratory and neurological reactions in cases of acute or prolonged exposure.
