California lifts evacuation for thousands as chemical explosion threat eases

Evacuation orders for more than half of the approximately 40,000 residents displaced by the threat of a chemical tank explosion at an aerospace facility in Orange County, Southern California, were lifted on Monday, according to media reports. Emergency crews confirmed that pressure inside an unstable tank containing toxic chemicals at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove had been partially relieved, reducing the risk of a major explosion, The New York Times reported. However, about 16,000 residents living closest to the site remain under evacuation orders, as officials warned that a smaller blast or chemical spill is still possible.

Chemical incident timeline

The emergency began Thursday after a tank containing about 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate overheated and began releasing gas. Conditions improved Sunday after a crack formed in the tank, helping reduce pressure and lower temperatures. “The trajectory is headed in the right direction for the first time since Thursday,” California State Senator Thomas Umberg said. Orange County Fire Authority Interim Chief TJ McGovern told reporters: “It’s not over yet. We still have work to do.” Officials said they cannot yet determine when the remaining evacuees will be allowed to return home.

Criminal investigation

California Governor Gavin Newsom said a federal emergency declaration approved by President Trump’s administration would support displaced residents and affected businesses. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that authorities had launched a criminal investigation into the facility operator and possible hotel price gouging during the evacuations.