Overview
- A storage tank of methyl methacrylate at GKN Aerospace overheated in late May, forcing mandatory evacuations that affected roughly 40,000 to 50,000 residents and prompting an urgent hazmat response.
- Firefighters say a crack in the tank relieved pressure and removed the immediate risk of a BLEVE, or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, allowing staged re-entry and stabilization.
- Crews planned to pump neutralized MMA into sealed trucks for off‑site disposal but the transfer has been delayed because specialized sealed trucks and equipment did not arrive on time.
- Officials warn that temporary fruity or plastic‑like odors may be noticeable during any transfer but say continuous air monitoring around the site has shown concentrations within safety thresholds.
- GKN has pledged about $4 million for community aid while the Orange County District Attorney has opened a criminal probe and multiple civil suits and city leaders press for accountability and long‑term monitoring.